Crusaders reach the promised land on nailbiting final day as Ballinamallard relegated by just four goals

Crusaders were crowned NIFL Premiership champions after they came from behind to beat Ballymena United 2-1 at the Showgrounds on a nail-biting final day of the season.

Coleraine were held to a scoreless draw by Glenavon in Lurgan which saw them finish two points behind Stephen Baxters' side, having led for a large portion of the season.

For a time, it appeared as if the Crues' grip on the Gibson Cup was slipping after David Jeffreys' side took a surprise lead on the hour through Cahair Friel.

That opened the door for Coleraine, who just needed to better Crusaders' result pointwise as they boasted a vastly inferior goal difference of +45 to +67.

Oran Kearney's side, try as they might, couldn't find a way past a stern Glenavon defence, while Philip Lowry levelled for the Crues before David Cushley netted a winner four minutes from time.

Cushley's goal rendered the result at MourneviewPark immaterial as Crusaders confirmed their seventh Premiership title, and third in five years under Baxter.

At the other end of the table, Ballinamallard United's six-year stint at the top level came to an end despite a 3-1 win away to Glentoran.

Former Bray Wanderers midfielder Sean Noble scored twice, while Darren McElwaine also scored, but victory at the Oval wasn't enough to see the Fermanagh club to safety.

Carrick Rangers hung on to beat Warrenpoint Town 3-2 at the Q Radio Arena to finish above the Mallards by a mere four goals.



Carrick will now contest the promotion/relegation play-off with Newry City after the County Down club finished second in the Championship behind champions Institute.

    About Dave Donnelly

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