Owens ends the Whites’ cup reign

A Jordan Owens hat-trick for Crusaders has put holders Lisburn Distillery out of the Irn-Bru League Cup.

In a thriller at New Grosvenor on Wednesday night, the Whites eventually succumbed 4-2.

The visitors made most of the initial running and Distillery keeper Billy Brennan had to make two smart saves from Stuart Dallas.

But the pressure was building an on 12 minutes Billy Brennan failed to hold a powerful Stuart Dallas free-kick and Owens was on hand to score.

The lead lasted just 10 minutes before the Whites were level.

David Cushley’s free-kick was headed out to the edge of the box and Jordan Forsythe fired into the roof of the net.

Crusaders hit back and five minutes before half time Dallas fired a shot straight at Brennan from 20 yards.

Then came the turning point. In added time at the end of the first half midfielder Grant Gardiner was sent off when a tackle on Declan Caddell brought him a second yellow card.

Despite the set back the Whites were not giving up their crown easily. Just minutes into the second half Mark Cooling scored a penalty after Declan Caddell fouled Cushley on the by-line.

But as tired legs crept in Owens stole in at the back post to level five minutes later after good play by Matt Hazley.

The Whites seemed to have a good shout for a second penalty when Gary Liggett appeared to be held back by him but he fired wide.

But it was that man Owens again who completed his hat-trick by turning in a shot across goal from Chris Morrow on 74 minutes.

Distillery continued to push for an equaliser but as they committed more and more to attack Dallas broke away for the fourth to settle the tie.

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