Declan Caddell has described his first season as Crusaders manager as a "rollercoaster" after the north Belfast side secured their Premiership survival in dramatic fashion. A penalty shootout victory over Annagh United ensured the Crues will remain in the top flight, avoiding what would have been just the second relegation in the club's history.

The drama began early in the second leg, with Philip Donnelly's penalty levelling the aggregate score after just five minutes. Lee Upton then edged Annagh ahead, putting the Crues' top-flight status in serious jeopardy. But in the 71st minute, Stewart Nixon produced a crucial equaliser to send the game to extra time. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie went to penalties, where goalkeeper Musa Dibaga emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks to seal survival.

"Credit to Annagh, they put it up to us," Caddell told BBC Sport NI. "For me, that game summarised our whole season—a bit of bad luck, not playing for a full 90 minutes, injuries, everything relying on a last gasp. And credit to Dibaga for stepping in and making a difference. I'm just relieved to get over the line because it's been a difficult year. Who would be a football manager, eh?"

For a club more accustomed to top-six finishes and European adventures, this season was a stark departure from the norm. The Crues found themselves in a nervy relegation battle, and at one point it looked like Glenavon might pull off a great escape and send the north Belfast side down automatically. However, an encouraging post-split run secured 11th place and a spot in the relegation/promotion play-off. The side went into the decisive double-header unbeaten in four games, and that confidence proved vital against a spirited Annagh outfit.

"This season's been a rollercoaster. Parts we have done well. Large parts we haven't done well," Caddell admitted. "We're a young team, a really young team. What they've done this season won't go unnoticed. The players won't realise it, but to put yourself in that situation—struggling at the bottom, eventually dropping to the bottom—and then fight your way out... it builds character. That's something you can't buy, and it's something that will serve this group well in the years to come."

For the players and fans alike, this survival story will be remembered as a testament to resilience. And as the Crues look to rebuild, the lessons learned from this rollercoaster campaign could be the foundation for a brighter future.