Crusaders edged Haka 1-0 in tonight’s Europa Conference League Qualifier, meaning they will progress to the next round, where they will face Norwegian side Rosenborg.

Crusaders knew that last week’s 2-2 Away draw was hugely significant for the eventual outcome of the tie, able to play the return fixture in front of a packed-out Seaview on a level platform.

The first half was a half for the purists, with very few clear-cut chances falling for either side. Despite a lack of goals and chances, it was an immensely intense physical battle between the teams, both picking up three yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes.

Crusaders’ physicality was embodied by Adam Lecky and captain Billy-Joe Burns, who enjoyed an entertaining battle with FC Haka’s Stavros Zarokostas down his right-hand flank.

Lecky was able to use his physicality to outmuscle his man on several occasions from the high ball, using his height to get a first head on the pass. Lecky almost converted for the Crues in the 16^th minute, getting his head on the end of a brilliant Ross Clarke cross, but his effort inched over the crossbar.

Clarke proved to a real threat down the Crusaders right-hand side, producing some crosses and set-piece deliveries of excellent quality. Clarke’s efforts would go to waste however, as Crusaders lacked efficiency in front of goal.

In response to Crusaders’ physicality, Haka were strong in their tackles, occasionally leaving a boot in, much to the anger of the home fans in Seaview. Juan Lescano was lucky not to see a straight red card for his late attempt at a slide tackle on Crusader skipper Burns; The Argentinian striker flew in late on Burns, catching him just above his ankle, and was lucky to escape harsher punishment than a yellow card. It’s safe to say the card was not well received by The Crues’ fans.

Crusaders came close to breaking the deadlock in the 51^st minute, with a great move culminating in a close effort from Philip Lowry, crucially blocked by Anthony Herbert in the Haka defence. Lowry, played in on goal by Adam Lecky, found himself in a one-on-one situation with Aatu Aabraham Hakala in the Haka net. Anticipating the goalkeeper’s jump, Lowry tried to strike the ball under his feet, but his effort was met by the legs of Herbert, who was tracking back to help out his goalkeeper.

The Crues came even closer in the 56^th minute, Paul Heatley hitting the post. Ross Clarke delivered another excellent cross from the halfway line towards Heatley, who took the ball down wonderfully on his chest, before striking the ball powerfully with his left foot. His effort rooted Hakala in the Haka net, who could only watch Heatley’s strike smash against the post.

With thirty minutes to go, the game really livened up as both sides saw the opportunity to go for the win. Crusaders committed serious numbers into their attacks, looking to overwhelm the Haka defence, who were seriously stretched. Haka, however, seemed to thrive whenever they were able to counter attack, making the most of all the extra space.

Stavros Zarokostas proved a real handful all night for the Crusaders defence, the winger most certainly in his element in the closing half an hour of the game.Crusaders finally broke the deadlock in the 73^rd minute through Paul Heatley, sending Seaview into hysterics. Following a looping Ross Clarke clearance, Anthony Herbert was unable to deal with the high ball, and the second time the ball bounced, Heatley pounced on the opportunity and stole the ball away from the centre-back.

Heatley then ran 30 metres up to the Haka box, where he was met by the Haka goalkeeper. Heatley oozed composure to slot the ball calmly to the keeper’s left, taking his chance well. The goal had been coming all game, and was a fair reflection of Crusaders’ dominance.

It would prove to be a nervy closing 15 minutes for Crusaders, who switched to a very defensive game plan to try and see out the game. The Crues held on to win the game 1-0 and thus the tie 3-2 and progress to the second round of the Europa Conference League Qualifiers, where they will play Norwegian side Rosenborg.It wasn’t the most thrilling game here at Seaview, but it’s exactly the result Crusaders would have wanted.