MANAGER'S VIEW: 'A lot of talk from other clubs, ex-players, pundits backing us to go down automatically' - Crusaders win secures play-off lifeline
Fraser Bryden’s goal proved decisive on the day and in terms of Crusaders’ long-term top-flight survival hopes as a 1-0 win left Glenavon relegated and Declan Caddell now preparing for a play-off over two legs to protect top-flight status.
Here’s the verdict of Crusaders manager Declan Caddell:
REACTION TO FORCING PLAY-OFF...
"We dug ourselves into a hole, a lot of questions being asked - probably more so after Glenavon came to our place and beat us 3-0.
"A lot of talk from other clubs, ex-players, pundits, backing us to go down automatically.
"The players have bounced back, we've used that as ammunition and fuel the past couple of weeks and they've delivered.
"Today was a different type of game.
"You could see what was at stake for both clubs, it was probably scrappy at times, end-to-end, loads of pressure - credit to Glenavon, they threw everything at us for 96 minutes and, thankfully, the big man (Fraser Bryden) has weighed in with a big goal.
"We've defended really, really well to see the game out.
"A difficult place to come, full house...Glenavon's support, our support - exceptional, good atmosphere for the players.
"We'll take it - the job's only half done, by the way.
"So the players can enjoy tonight but we're straight back at work on Monday.”
REACTION TO PRESSURE AND LATE FORM UPTURN...
"Hindsight...you look back through the season and I've probably chopped and changed a wee bit...that comes with a bit of pressure, probably trying to dig out results and you stop getting the players to do what you want them to do. "Players when on a bad run, confidence is low...they stop doing what they're actually good at.
"So the last few weeks I've told them to relax and just say if it ends up really bad and we do go down, we'll play my way and you will enjoy playing your football.
"That's the route we're going and they've bounced with that.
"It's the last three weeks it's a draw and two wins.
"We lost Robbie Weir very early in the game, we lost that bit of experience, which is worrying.
"But the young lads stood up and being in an environment like that, with so much on the line, will only bode well for the future.
"We kept a close-knit group and it was taking the shackles off...let's get back to doing what I want you to do and how you want to play."
MOVING FORWARD...
"I brought all those players to this football club because they're really good footballers and I think we lost our way a wee bit but, thankfully, we've got back to doing what we're good at. "You're bringing a load of young players into a league that they're unaware of...the rough and tumble of the Irish League can be difficult for anybody.
"Where they adapting the way I would have liked? Probably not.
"It takes years of development and getting used to certain games, certain players, certain venues.
"But, by the same token, it was brave.
"We could have gone more physical, more direct, try to sneak a goal here or there.
"But I wanted them to play and we weren't doing that from January through probably.
"Doesn't matter whether you're top of the league...it's exactly the same down here and that's why you play football.
"And pressure, I always say, pressure is a privilege and you've got to enjoy it.
"It'll give them good grounding moving forward in their careers.
"The players have shown throughout the season how good they can be but we've just lacked massive consistency for loads of reasons.
"They've been able to show the last three games how good they can be, so we've got to now use that, gain a wee bit of momentum going into these play-offs,
"Because we can't take anything for granted."