Crues take title on a day of Danske drama - Coleraine crushed as they fall at final hurdle

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The Danske Bank Premiership champions 2017/18 - Crusaders.

Q Radio Sport

Celebrations are in full swing for Crusaders players and fans after winning the Danske Bank Premiership on a dramatic final day of the league season.

They started their match with Ballymena level on points with Coleraine, but ahead on goal difference.

Cathair Friel gave the home fans some hope with an opening goal around the hour mark, but Philip Lowry soon equalised for the visitors.

David Cushley made it a day to remember for the travelling Belfast support as the sub came on and scored the decisive goal to give his side a 2-1 victory.

One of the most consistent players over the season has been defender Howard Beverland...He's told Q Radio the Sky Blues "fought like tigers."


Howard's old team Coleraine were held to a scoreless draw at Glenavon so miss out on the title after losing only once in the Premiership all season.

Bannsiders star Darren McCauley is already looking ahead to next Saturday's Irish Cup final against Cliftonville.  

Actor Jimmy Nesbitt arrived to support the Stripes, but there was to be no late drama. 

Elsewhere, Carrick avoided automatic relegation with a 3-2 victory against Warrenpoint Town at the Q Radio Arena. The east Antrim side will now face Newry City in a promotion-relegation play-off.

Ballinamallard go down on goal difference despite beating Glentoran 3-1 at the Oval.

Cliftonville secured a 2-1 victory at 10-man Linfield, who miss out on third place to Glenavon.

Robert Garrett got his marching orders early on. 

Dungannon were 4-3 winners against Ards in Bangor.

36-year-old Swifts legend Terry Fitzpatrick hit the last-gasp winner on his final appearance for the club.

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