H&W Welders and Crusaders played out a decent pre season friendly today at the Blanchflower Stadium in Crusaders second game of pre season. It was a strong XI that started and a good mix of recently signed players and players we know well.
Crusaders had an early goal disallowed and as the game started to flow it was ex Crusaders player Lewis Patterson who opened the scoring when he rose highest at a corner and got a solid header that went into the net after 19 minutes. Both sides traded chances and Crusaders got back on level terms on 39 minutes when Jordan Forsythe scored a great goal when he curled a great effort from the edge of the box and into the top corner just inside the post and cross bar leaving the keeper no chance and it was 1-1 at half time.
Changes in the teams, match fitness and the heat in the second half made it a different type of game but both sides kept at it and gave a good display to those who had come to the game. Crusaders showed some good signs that things are starting to come together and the management team will be happy with the level they have reached so far. The game ended 1-1 and everyone will have gone home satisfied.
Next up is our third game of pre season when Scottish side Airdrieonions come to Seaview on Tuesday night (7.30pm) Tickets are on sale at www.crusadersfc.com and we look forward to seeing you at the game.