Crusaders secured their place in next season's Irish Premiership through dramatic penalty shootout victory over Annagh United. Manager Declan Caddell praised his players after surviving a relegation battle that went to extra time before being decided by spot kicks. The north Belfast side avoided what would have been just their second relegation in club history.

The Crues trailed 1-0 in the play-off second leg before Stewart Nixon's equalizer sent the game to extra time. Musa Dibaga emerged as the hero with two crucial penalty saves. Caddell described the season as a "rollercoaster" filled with "bad luck, not playing for a full 90 minutes, injuries" and last-minute escapes.

Despite usually competing for top six finishes and European football, the young Crusaders squad fought back from a difficult season to secure 11th place and ultimately survive the play-off. "What they've done this season won't go unnoticed," Caddell noted, emphasizing the valuable experience gained from facing high-pressure situations.