With three games to go before the split Crusaders are away to Ballymena United in the latest Sports Direct Premiership game (3pm) as the season reaches a critical stage. Crusaders are on a revival of late with two wins in their last two games and have closed the gap on fourth placed Glentoran while Ballymena United are fighting for their lives near the bottom and are without a win since Boxing Day.
Crusaders are back in form and a good win in a friendly last week also gave Stephen Baxter the chance to see what he has if anyone is injured or suspended over the final weeks. The break also gave a few players a chance to rest and they will be fit and ready for this one. The team should not be much different to a fortnight ago and with Ben Kennedy finding form again Crusaders will be in a good place. Still missing are Jimmy Callacher, Josh Robinson and Lloyd Anderson and with Rory McKeown terminating his contract the squad is thin. It could give the chance for Bradley Maguire, Ryan Donnelly and Karter Bond to get a chance from the reserves if called on and with that the possibility of cementing a place in the first team squad long term and looking towards next season.
Ballymena United have had it tough this season and sit one off the bottom of the Premiership table. This will mean nothing to Crusaders who will not disrespect Jim Ervins team as they now the home side will fight to get out of the position they are in and secure Premiership status before the season ends. Crusaders will come up against two ex Crusaders players in Sean O'Neill and Johnny McMurray who are draped in Crusaders history but it will count for nothing when they step over the line. Other players to watch out for are Scott Whiteside and Kym Nelson while Noah Stewart has been scoring of late for United and will also need watched. One player that will miss out is another Crusaders legend in Colin Coates as he recovers from a serious knee injury.
So all set for a game that could shape the top and bottom of the table and we want you with us once again. You can buy tickets for the game at https://eventlist.store/ballymenaunited/away anytime. An important few weeks ahead starts now and with your support we can make a serious challenge for a great position going into the play offs. Bring the colours,flags and songs and be the 12th man. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.