WATCH: Crusaders save Premiership spot as goalkeeper Musa Dibaga the penalty shoot-out hero over Annagh in play-off

After 39 games apiece for Annagh and Crusaders, the outcome of the current campaign and future status of next season came down to 90 minutes on a Friday night at Seaview.

In the race for a spot in next season’s senior division, Annagh had moved clear by 2-0 over the midweek first leg in Portadown but Crusaders left with a 3-2 lead thanks to an added-time winner.

On Friday, the Championship runners-up took control, once again, as Philip Donnelly tucked away a penalty kick on five minutes following a foul on Aaron Rogers by Josh Williamson.

Having suffered a late blow in the first leg, Annagh enjoyed an early boost at Seaview.

Dibaga then had to face a second Donnelly spot-kick before the break – with the Crusaders goalkeeper pulling off a fine save.

Strong defending by Alberto Balde cut out an early Crues attack at 0-0 as Lloyd Anderson attempted to set Keiran McKechnie on the path to goal.

At 1-0, the hosts regrouped to the setback as Kurtis Forsythe attacked along the right to deliver for Adam Brooks but his shot was blocked inside the box.

Elliot Dunlop, so impressive over the first leg, had a sight of goal at the back post but was unable to maximise the opening.

Ryan Swan’s instinctive strike was stopped at full stretch by Dibaga – the former having previously cleared the crossbar after the latter’s save to stop a Donnelly drive.

Late Annagh defending stopped McKechnie converting off Brooks’ pass.

After the break, Forsythe attacked but had his effort blocked on the path to goal.

Upton – scorer in the first leg off a Craig Taylor set-piece – doubled the Annagh lead at Crusaders with the visitors’ second goal.

Taylor’s throw-in created problems for Crusaders and Rogers’ flick was converted by Upton to put the second-tier side in a strong position on the night and overall 4-3 upper hand.

Annagh goalkeeper Joel Little pulled off a save to deny Brooks but Crusaders left it level on aggregate on 71 minutes thanks to second-half substitute Stewart Nixon.

Nixon made his mark on the half-volley from inside the box for 4-4 in the play-off.

Crusades’ Oli McCart came close to a late winner with a superb free-kick from distance which bounced off the post.

It marked the final talking point of normal time – forcing extra-time.

Dibaga was on hand to deny Taylor in the first period of extra-time, with Little behind a save off veteran striker Jordan Owens.

Another Taylor throw-in was met by Upton, who could only direct it over the target under pressure from Owens.

James Convie steered a punch out by Dibaga just wide of the upright as the game went to spot-kicks to settle the tie.

Conall Young put the County Armagh side in front from the penalty spot.

Forsythe levelled with his Crusaders effort.

Dibaga produced another big save to deny Convie.

Brooks put Crusaders ahead by 2-1 in the shoot-out.

A slip by Taylor resulted in his Annagh penalty clearing the target.

It was 3-1 to Crusaders when McCart found the top corner.

Another Dibaga stop – this time off Jude Johnson – left Crusaders winners on the night by 3-1 from penalties and with senior safety secure.

It marked Annagh’s fourth play-off loss in the bid for a first place at Premiership level having previously lost to Carrick Rangers, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown.

ANNAGH UNITED: Joel Little, Jack Henderson, Ryan Swan, Niall Henderson, Alberto Balde, Craig Taylor, Aaron Rogers, Lee Upton, Ross Redman, Eoin Teggart, Philip Donnelly.

Subs: Martin Marron, Kris Calvert, Conall Young, James Convie, Jude Johnson, Adetobi Jinadu, Jacob Farr.

CRUSADERS: Musa Dibaga Nimaga, Kurtis Forsythe, Jacob Blaney, Keiran McKechnie, Harry Jewitt-White, Adam Brooks, Elliot Dunlop, Josh Williamson, Scot Rough, Lloyd Andersonn, Lewis Barr.

Subs: Jonny Tuffey, Brendan Hamilton, Jordan Owens, Stewart Nixon, Oilibhear McCart, Thomas Maguire, Jonathan James.

Referee: Declan Hassan.