Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter hailed his team’s character and desire after booking a place in round two of the Europa Conference League at a bouncing Seaview.
The Crues trailed 2-1 against Bruno Magpies from the first leg in Gibraltar, but hit back with a vengeance, defender Billy Joe Burns bagging a priceless third goal deep into injury time.
Paul Heatley and Jude Winchester were also on the mark for the home team, the latter drawing the teams level on aggregate, with Kyle Casciaro pulling one back for the Magpies in the first half.
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The Crues now face crack Swiss side Basel in the second round of the tournament next week.
“I thought we were fantastic,” said Baxter. “We showed great character, hunger and passion taking the game to Magpies. I don’t think anyone could say we didn’t deserve to go through.
“But we now face a mammoth task against Basel, a team that are used to playing in the group stages in European competitions. It will be a massive challenge but one we're looking forward to."
Heatley shot the Crues into the lead on 33 minutes, finishing off from close range after Burns’ shot was saved by Matthew Silva.
But Magpies levelled four minutes later when Casciaro tapped home from practically on the goal line to edge the visitors 3-2 ahead on aggregate.
Crusader restored their lead on the night with 10 minutes remaining when substitute Winchester fired home a beauty to draw the sides level at 3-3 over the two legs.
And with extra-time looming, Burns rifled home a goal of the season contender in the 93rd minute - a ripping volley that almost tore out the netting.
Crusaders were the only Irish League club to progress in the Europa Conference League with Cliftonville and Larne losing 5-1 and 1-0 to DAC (Slovakia) and St Joseph's (Gibraltar) respectively.
Basel, who reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League two years ago, took to social media to congratulate Crusaders on reaching the second qualifying round.
The Swiss club tweeted: "Congratulations on your victory tonight, Crusaders FC. We will see you next week!"
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