On Monday Crusaders and Coleraine go head to head in a “winner takes all” play off Final to determine who will get the final spot for Northern Irish Clubs in Europe next season. The stakes could not be higher and the prestige and financial reward will push both sides in what will be a cracking game.
Crusaders eased through the play off semi final game last Wednesday night with a commanding performance and they will be asked for more of the same in the final. There will not be much change in the squad from last Wednesday but they have rested well and trained well since and confidence is high. Every player played their part and they be asked once again to perform and get the win that sees us into europe. We could see the same side start as last time out unless injury may force a rethink but Stephen could rejig and bring Paul Heatley off the bench along with Jordan Owens to start. The bacj four where superb in front of Johnny Tuffey against Carrick Rangers while Ross Clarkes crosses where pin point and hopefully it will be more of the same against Coleraine.
Coleraine are ending the season in good form and Crusaders will be aware of that. The 3-0 win against Glentoran last Wednesday shows how much they have improved. The return of key players after a dip in form has been key and Oran Keraney like Stephen Baxter will drum into his side the importance of the game. He will have put aside Crusaders 2-0 win up at The Coleraine Showgrounds just a few weeks ago to the side and will push his team to the limit with only a victory in mind. Key players to watch out for in the Coleraine side will be Matthew Shevlin and Conor McKendry up front who have been regular scorers all season while Lyndon Kane at the back will out to keep Crusaders attacks to a minimum.
So all we need is you at the match with the colours on and your voice ready to give everything . Tickets are selling extremely fast and we encourage you to go now to www.crusadersfc.com and buy your ticket before it is to late. You have been absolutely superb all season and all we ask is you do it one more time this season as we look to win one more important game. See you Monday. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues