Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SHIELD OF DREAMS
Forsythe & Co delighted with Crues’ unlikely comeback v Blues after a poor title defence
JORDAN Forsythe hopes Crusaders’ County Antrim Shield heroics go some way to easing the pain of a frustrating title defence.
Stephen Baxter’s men, who have struggled for form in the league, produced a dramatic fightback to beat Linfield 4-3 in Tuesday night’s final.
In horrific weather conditions, Forsythe bagged the crucial equaliser on 88 minutes before delivering a sweet free-kick for David Cushley to score a last gasp winner.
“I was absolutely delighted for the boys, because it has been a hard season so far,” said Forsythe. “We’re out of the league race and it has been frustrating on that front because we always want to try and win the league.
“It’s been disappointing, but this club is built on bouncing back and it was brilliant to get our hands on a trophy.
“Hopefully we can push on now for the rest of the season.”
While the Crues are off the pace in the league – they lie third in the table – they could the end the campaign with two trophies.
With the Shield now banked, they also have an Irish Cup semi-final to look forward to against Coleraine at The Oval on March 30.
“The Irish Cup semi-final is huge for us,” said Forsythe. “We’ve already faced Glentoran, Linfield and Ballymena in the competition this season, so if we’re going to win it, we’re going to have to do it the hard way.
“But the boys have shown they’re up for any test and the Shield final is proof we’re determined to fight to the very end in big games.”
On Tuesday’s seven goal thriller at Seaview, a game battered by Storm Gareth, Forsythe smiled: “That’s what football’s all about!”
David Cushley’s brace means he has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 games.
And Jordan Forsythe was quick to hail him for his heroics.
“Cush has been brilliant and popped up with really important goals,” Forsythe said. “That’s what he’s all about.
“In the box he’s hard to pick up and he’s strong. He’s also got great power in his strikes.
“I’m delighted for him because not only is he a great footballer, he’s also a great man.”