Crusaders preparing to face Basel after downing Magpies in Europe

Crusaders Billy Joe Burns celebrates scoring as Crusaders knocked out Bruno's Magpies of Gibraltar
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 15th Jul 2022

Crusaders are set to face Swiss side Basel after a dramatic Europa Conference League second leg victory over Bruno's Magpies of Gibraltar.

Stephen Baxter's side progressed as Billy Joe Burns' injury-time goal saw them win 3-1 on the night, and complete a 4-3 aggregate success.

It took only until around the half hour mark for the Seaview men to level the tie - Paul Heatley finding the net.

However Crusaders' lead lasted less than five minutes as Kyle Casciaro sprung the offside trap to fire past home goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey.

Baxter introduced substitutes Jude Winchester and Johnny McMurray and they had an impact, combining to set up Winchester to put the Crues ahead on the night.

Then three minutes into added on time, Burns thumped home a superb volley to ensure a 4-3 aggregate success for Baxter's side and that second qualifying round tie with Basel.

There was not such good news for other Irish Premiership sides on the night.

Crusaders' north Belfast neighbours Cliftonville went down to a 5-1 aggregate loss to DAC of Slovakia.

Larne meanwhile went down 1-0 to St Joseph's - another side from Gibraltar - losing the tie on the same scoreline.