Saturday 17
January 3.00pm Kick off at Seaview
Crusaders 1 v
Ballymoney United 0
Crusaders had to fight horrendous weather conditions at Seaview as well as inspired and industrious opponents in Ballymoney United and they won both battles.
Luck deserted the Championship side in front of goal while David Rainey provided the one clinical finish, a powerful diving header from Martin Donnelly’s free-kick in the 55th minute to set up a fifth round scrap against either Ballymena or Ballyclare.
“I’ll be pleased to play opposition which is at an equivalent level than ourselves because it can be difficult to play a side which is below you,” said manager Stephen Baxter.
“You expect tough draws but you just hope the players can go and play good football.
In David Rainey we have a poacher and predator who will always get you something so we are delighted to be in the next round.”
United played with drive and determination, with Adam McKinney impressing up front, and came close to scoring when Trevor McLernon forced goalkeeper Aaron Kerr into a superb save.
Colin Coates missed from close range in the dying minutes but Rainey’s header from the edge of the six yard box settled the tie.
“We got about them, put them under pressure and played some nice football,” said United boss Joe McCall. “We gave a good performance but we didn’t put the ball in the net and a lack of concentration at a set play cost us.”
6
YELLOW CARDS 
RED CARDS 
GOALS
SCORED
