Annagh United's spirited start to the game was undone by a Crusaders side that eventually settled and began creating half chances. However, midway through the first half, it was first blood to the Championship side, who hit the front against the run of play. An attacking corner was recycled before finding Aaron Rogers at the back post, who needed two bites at the cherry but eventually found the bottom corner with a precise finish at the second time of asking. As half-time drew closer, the home side doubled their advantage as Lee Upton got up to head home Craig Taylor's long throw-in from the left-hand side. Just as Annagh thought they'd be going in at the break with a two-goal advantage, the Crues hit back through Elliot Dunlop as he fired home from outside the area after two neat touches to set himself up. Nine minutes after the restart the Crues drew level and it was that man Bryden who got it. The prolific striker was afforded far too much time and space in the area as he guided home Dunlop's cross with his head with help from the far post. The Crues snatched victory from the jaws of defeat right at the death as substitute Thomas Maguire found a way through goalkeeper Joel Little, whose unfortunate blunder cost his side.
Review
Annagh United Suffer Crucial Loss in Irish Premiership Promotion/Relegation Play-Off
Annagh United's hopes of staying in the Irish Premiership took a hit as they lost 3-2 to Crusaders in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off. The Championship side fought back from 2-0 down to take a slender advantage into the second leg.
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