It was so very close to being another European night to remember at Seaview but instead it was despair as they exited Europe in the cruelist manner going out 8-7 on penalty kicks after the game ended 3-3 on aggregate after extra time.
It was a classic Crusaders comeback starting the game 2-0 down from the first leg and they went further behind midway in the first half when Paulo Mendes scored for Caerfarnon Town at the back post. 3-0 down going into the second half Crusaders had an explosive opening four minutes scoring twice through Ross Clarke and Daniel Larmour to cut the aggregate to 3-2. Crusaders where flying and continued to pressure the visitors and it payed off when Philip Lowry struck home to make it 3-2 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. The game went into extra time afer the sides could not be parted after 90 minutes but Crusaders just could not make the pressure count. With seconds left Crusaders where denied a stone wall penalty when a Caerfarnon defender blatantly raised his hand to stop a goal scoring opportunity but the referee failed to see it.
It was penalty kick that had to decide the tie and again there was controversy as Johnny Tuffey saved a penalty only for the referee blowing for a retake saying he was off his line which again was arguable. It went to 7-7 before the next three kicks where missed (two Crusaders and one Caerfarnon Town) before the visitors went through after they converted the final kick.
So out of Europe at the first hurdle but attention now turns to the final pre season games before the Sports Direct Premiership kickoff on August 10th.