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Gareth Fullerton

Johnny McMurray "ignored teammates' advice" to fire Crusaders to Irish Cup glory

Johnny McMurray says he ignored the advice of his teammates to shoot Crusaders to Irish Cup glory at Windsor Park.

McMurray fired home a superb volley with virtually the last kick of the game in extra time to seal a 2-1 win over Ballymena United.

It was cruel luck on Ballymena who also conceded a 93rd minute equaliser when Josh Robinson forced the ball home to cancel out Robbie Weir's ninth-minute own goal.

Read more: Ballymena United 1-2 Crusaders (AET): The Irish Cup final as it happened

McMurray - who was introduced as a 67th-minute substitute - had attempted an earlier long-range effort that was off target, and says his teammates had told him to "take a touch" if he got another chance.

But he banished their advice to volley home a superb first-time strke to settle the final in South Belfast.

When asked about his goal, the Crusaders striker told the BBC: "Just instinct, to be honest.

"I tried to hit one from 30 yards in the first half (of extra time) and scuffed it, so everyone was saying don't hit it first time, but stuff like that you see and you just react to it.

"Jordo (Jordan Williamson) didn't quite react to it in time, he got a hand to it. Joyful for me and I'm ecstatic.

"It's nice to score here, nice to get the winner in a Cup final and it's something I'll never forget."

McMurray added: "I don't know how to sum it up, it's a bit crazy. One minute you're 1-0 down and next minute you're 2-1 up in extra-time.

"I'm just thankful to be on the winning end this time - last season we didn't quite get it done (with Larne).

"Commiserations to Ballymena, they're a great club and I loved my time there, so it's a bit bittersweet at the minute because I want to see them do well as well.

"But I am so happy. My brother's back from Australia with his wee one, so it's a great parting gift."

McMurray also praised former club Ballymena United who had one hand on the cup until Robinson's equaliser deep into stoppage time.

"They're a tough side to play against, especially in cup games," he said.

"I've been there and experienced that. I have to say commiserations to Ballymena because they're a great side, they came out with a game plan and stuck to it and for 91 minutes we were beat.

"Sometimes luck comes for you, you get a wee goal and we got on top. Luckily we went on and did it and I get all the plaudits for the goal."

Read more: NI footballer using her studies to help dream of turning professional

Read more: Chris McKee opens up on future plans after Linfield loan spell

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