Crusaders and Loughgall played out a 1-1 draw at Seaview on Saturday that has left Crusaders with a “must win” game next Saturday against Glentoran to ensure a top six place ahead of the split fixtures. Crusaders where left kicking themselves after the possession percentage they had against Loughgall did not turn into a goalfest and the late goal they conceded only led to the frustration leaving them in the position they are now in.
It was one way traffic for most of the first half as Crusaders piled on the pressure to get an early goal to settle the nerves in such an important game. Loughgalls defence stood up to the task as attack after attack came forward and the corner count rosr higher and higher. For all the pressure it was Harry Jewitt-White who went closest when his curling effort went the wrong side of the post. Jordan Forsthe then had a header that went just wide while Harry Franklins shot was cleared off the line. It was Loughgall who nearly scored next but nearly into their own net when Ben Murdock had a ball bounce of him and as it went goalwards Nathan Gartside saved much to his relief. The chances kept coming but the best of them all fell to Jummy Callacher who headed inches over with the half ending 0-0.
Loughgall came out the second half a lot hungrier but Adam Towes effort from distance flew wide. The game fell into the same rhythm as the first as Crusaders took hold and a Jordan Forsthe shot went close as did Harry Franklin. Substitute Jordan Stewart was only on a few seconds and he broke the deadlock. A Ross Clarke free kick deflected off the wall into Harry Franklins path and his low cross was touched over the line by Jordan Stewart from close range to put Crusaders ahead. Crusaders doubled their efforts but could not make the telling cross or shot that would have made a difference and the tension rose. Loughgall pressed forward after Benji Magee came on as substitute and it was rewarded when he scored the equaliser for Loughgall with four minutes left. Robbie Mahon pounced on uncertainity in the Crusaders defence before passing to Benji Magee who made no mistake past Johnny Tuffey and it was 1-1. Crusaders threw everything at Loughgall but they never conceded and on the whistle it was 1-1 and the realisation of what is needed to do next week.