Crusaders came and conquered Scottish opposition today at Stranraer when a solid performance from Declan Caddell's side came let them come away with a 2-1 win.
Two quick fire goals from Stewart Nixon on the 20th and 22nd minute in the first half saw Crusaders take a commanding lead and nothing more than they deserved. On the front foot from the off the home keeper was kept busy and Crusaders carried on how they finished in last weeks friendly. The dominance paid off when Stewart Nixon ran on to a through ball and after beating the off side trap scored past the oncoming keeper. Two minutes later he doubled his tally and Crusaders tally when Johnny Tuffey in the Crusaders goal spotted the run of Stewart Nixon again and his first time pass was met perfectly again by Stewarty and he finished again. Crusaders gave little away but Stranraer did pull a goal back when “a trialist” guesting for Stranraer bundled a shot over the line to make it 2-1.
The second half Stranraer started strongly but the Crusaders defence where up to the job and the threat went away. Crusaders played some beautiful football and where unlucky not to score again but the most pleasing thing was the passages of play and enthusiasm the team played with and the travelling support appreciated what they where watching. No further goals where scored and a happy manager Declan Caddell left Scotland satisfied things where going in the right direction.
Two pre seasons games in and 10 goals scored and 1 against is a good start for a new squad.