Josh Robinson received the player of the match award as Crusaders saw off city-rivals Glentoran 1-0 to continue their quest to defend the Irish Cup. Both sides made just two changes from their last outings. Robert Weir and Jude Winchester coming into the Crues starting eleven; and Niall McGinn missing out for Glentoran after an injury against Glenavon last time out. After an end-to-end start it was Jordan Forsythe who scored the only goal of the contest, tapping in a rebound from a Philip Lowry effort that struck the post.
Both sides had high hopes of reaching the last four and entertained the crowd with an energetic start. It was Stephen Baxter’s men soon began to exert the dominance that their home form has been characterised by this season, and there was an inevitability when Forsythe struck home in the 29th minute. Lowry battled hard on the edge of the area to win back possession, before playing a one-two with Adam Lecky and shooting across goal; his shot struck the left upright before falling back into the path of Forsythe who made no mistake from 5 yards, much to the delight of the rapturous home fans. James Singleton created the best chance for the visitors in the first half, having made a smart break down the left of the penalty area, he fired an excellent low cross across the face of the Crusaders goal but unfortunately no men in green were on hand to knock it home. Crusaders saw out the remainder of a physical half (four yellow cards) to keep a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The second half was another entertaining affair with Crusaders always appearing the most threatening. Paul Heatley, with an overhead kick, and Philip Lowry both having chances for the home side but failed to hit the target. Glentoran battled hard but struggled to really test Jonny Tuffey in the Crusader’s goal which will disappoint Rodney McAree who would have hoped for so much more. The full time whistle brought a huge cheer and collective sigh of relief from the home supporters who can now look ahead to the last four of the Irish Cup as they’re defence of the title lives on for another day.