Coates proud of Crusaders achievement

Crusaders secured their passage through to the Setanta Sports Cup Final on Monday night when they won 3-2 on aggregate against League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers. Captain Colin Coates spoke to Extratime.ie and considers this achievement to be outstanding for the club.

"Its outstanding for a wee club like ours, we came here and got the result we needed to get through against a top quality outfit like Sligo Rovers, it was fantastic."

Coates took on the responsibility of taking his side's penalty in Extra time, but admits he was nervous stepping up for a spot kick before.

"I'm the regular penalty taker for the club, so when I seen the penalty was given I wanted to step up and give it a go. To be honest, I've had a lot of penalties and I'm yet to miss, but I have to say tonight I was very nervous and there was a bit of a delay before I could take it which just added to the nerves but thankfully I was able to put it past the 'keeper and I was delighted to just see it go in."

In a game that produced a total of 12 yellow cards, Coates felt referee Arnold Hunter was too quick to book players in situations when he didn't need to.

"I think at times the referee gave cards when he didn't need to but it did get a bit heated but when we went 2-0 down it brought us to life a bit because we knew the game was level. I don't think it was a dirty game by any stretch of the imagination, it was just one of those games."
 

Crusaders meet Derry City in Windsor Park on May 12th in the final of this competition, and Coates admits he hasn't seen the Candystripes in action this season.

"To be honest, I haven't seen Derry play this season, but I know the backroom team are getting a report on their strengths and weaknesses and we know they'll push us hard because they're a tough side and Sligo drew 1-1 with them here so it shows they are a good side and we'll have to be at our very best to beat them. We have to match the work rate and effort we showed in the first half and extra time tonight."