“We want more games like that” – Boyle hails Warrenpoint’s stunning Crusaders cup upset

WARRENPOINT Town manager Gary Boyle hailed his side’s character and fitness after the Championship leaders produced a stunning extra-time fightback to beat Irish Premiership outfit Crusaders 5-2 in the BetMcLean Cup at Milltown.

The Point looked to have a difficult task on their hands despite taking a first-half lead, but a remarkable finish to the contest saw them score three times in extra time to seal one of the standout results of the opening round.“I think we were very, very good in the first half, competitive and I think justifiably went in front,” Boyle said.

Rory Powell gave Warrenpoint the lead five minutes before the interval, firing home from 25 yards to put the hosts in front.The game took another twist shortly after the restart when Crusaders forward Thomas Maguire was sent off for an off-the-ball incident.

However, rather than making the most of their numerical advantage, Warrenpoint found themselves under pressure as the visitors fought their way back into the contest.Donal Rocks brought Crusaders level on the hour before Adam Reid put the Premiership side ahead, leaving Warrenpoint facing the prospect of an early cup exit.

Boyle admitted his side lost their way for a spell after Maguire’s dismissal.“Ironically, when they got the man sent off we probably had our worst 15 minutes,” he said.

“I think we maybe just sort of diverted a wee bit from what we were doing so well for the first part of the game.”Warrenpoint recovered, though, and Powell struck again with nine minutes remaining to force extra time, giving the hosts renewed belief after a spell in which the momentum had swung against them.“We were able to regroup and really came on strong towards the end,” Boyle added. “Thankfully, we were able to get the equaliser to force extra time. I'm really happy.”

Powell completed his hat-trick just three minutes into extra time with a header, putting Warrenpoint back in front and capping a memorable individual display.

Daire Trainor and Adetobi Jinadu then added further goals to turn an absorbing cup tie into a convincing victory.For Boyle, the manner of the win was as pleasing as the result itself, particularly given the challenge of facing opposition from a higher division.“We had momentum with about 20 minutes to go,” he said.

“At times, you nearly think that you missed the boat when you don't maybe capitalise when you're on top.”He added: “Certainly, going into extra time, particularly playing against teams at a higher level, you often think that you have to be ruthless.”

Warrenpoint delivered when it mattered, with Boyle crediting his players’ physical condition and determination for the way they finished the game, while acknowledging that Crusaders had suffered setbacks and were forced to play with 10 men.

The result offers the Championship leaders more than just a place in the next round. It also provides a memorable occasion for a club eager to test itself against higher-level opposition and attract bigger crowds to Milltown.“It was brilliant. Brilliant publicity and exposure for the club, the players, everybody involved,” Boyle said.“We want more games like that. Bigger crowds, bigger performances, better atmosphere and we don't want it to be one-off occasions, we want that to become the norm.”Warrenpoint were among the winners on Tuesday night, alongside Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts and Limavady United, as the first-round ties continued.

Attention now turns to Friday’s second-round draw, which takes place at 16:30 BST and will see Premiership sides Larne, Coleraine, Glentoran and holders Linfield enter the competition.After a night to remember at Milltown, Warrenpoint will head into the draw with confidence that they can trouble more fancied opponents.