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Page last updated at 16:02 GMT, Saturday, 9 May 2009 17:02 UK
CRUSADERS 1-0 CLIFTONVILLE

Windsor Park, Belfast, 9 May, 2009




Mark Dickson
Mark Dickson celebrates with the Irish Cup

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter said "it doesn't get any better than this" after watching his side beat Cliftonville 1-0 in Saturday's Irish Cup final.

"Mark (Dickson) scored a great goal and then it was a bit of backs to the wall but the players defended admirably.

"Eamon Doherty was solid in midfield and Colin Coates got his head on everything - he's a great captain and leader and is only going to get better.

"Mark banged in a great goal and all credit to the boys," said Baxter.

Goalscorer Dickson said he "just tried to find a bit of space and made a good connection".

"I knew it was going to be a tight game so I was glad to see the ball hit the back of the net," he added.

Defender Coates described the decider as "one massive battle".

"I joined the club at 15 years of age and this is the highlight.

"This victory is the culmination of 11 months of hard work and every single one of the boys was fantastic.

"We defended like warriors at the end - everyone gave 100% and Cliftonville couldn't break us down."



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