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Top Northern commentator says 'no penalty'

A FORMER Northern Ireland international forward says last night's winning score for Crusaders against Sligo Rovers in the Setanta Cup semi final at the Showgrounds was not a penalty.

Felix Healy was joint commentator covering the match live for Setanta Sports channel and which was also relayed by eircom on the internet.

His view was also supported by the Setanta studio panel, which said the incident in the 107th minute occurred outside the box.

Sligo Rovers won 2-1 last night after extra time but lost 3-2 on aggregate. The 'away goals count double' meant Sligo needed to score twice in the final 15 minutes of extra time after the Belfast club netted the penalty.

It was not a great night for referee Johnson. He booked twelve players, stopped the game to speak to the Crusaders manager and awarded the 'penalty that wasn't a penalty.' He turned down Sligo claims for a penalty and booked Alan Keane, whom he said had taken a dive.

Speaking on Setanta Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter  praised the full-time set up in Sligo. ''They taught us a football lesson in the first half.''

Meanwhile, his team of part timers now prepare for their third Cup final this season, meeting Derry City in the Setanta Cup Final.