It's the penultimate game in the Danske Bank Premiership and we are off on a eight minute journey through North Belfast for the last North Belfast Derby of the season at Solitude (3pm) Many will say there is little to play for but that is far from the truth as positions in the final table will mean possible home advantage in the play offs while there is also a small matter of “Pride of North Belfast” between the teams and supporters. Add this up and we have a game.
We wait too see what side manager Stephen Baxter names for this game as injury and suspension will mean changes. Billy Joe Burns will miss as his appeal for his red card against Larne was unsuccessful his season is sadly finished. Jarlath O'Rourke and Josh Robinson missed out last week through injury and may not be risked so it may be more of the same as the game against Larne with that defensive reshuffle. Crusaders will go into the game with positivity having remained unbeaten against their nearest rivals this season so far.
Cliftonville begin life without manager Paddy McLaughlin after he left last Monday but Decky O'Hara as interim boss will be out to show he has the credentials to look the job full time. Nothing will change probably in the Cliftonville line up with the chances of meeting ex Crusaders players Colin Coates, Rory Hale and Ronan Hale a distinct possibility when he names his team.
Crusaders and Cliftonville have met three times this season with Crusaders winning one and the other two draws.
07/10/22 Cliftonville 0 Crusaders 0
26/12/22 Crusaders 3 Cliftonville 0
13/03/22 Crusaders 2 Cliftonville 2
Referee Evan Boyce
Asst Referees Kristian Hanna &Ken Ross
4th Official Keith Kennedy
No call to arms needed as it's the North Belfast Derby!!! Tickets can be bought at www.cliftonville.net and you have to register if you have not done so before. Get behind Stephen and the team and help them from the stand to keep the momentum going with the Cup Final getting closer and pride at stake.
Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.