Crusaders Go Down 3-1 To Glentoran At Seaview

14th Dec 2024

A mad seven minute spell in the second half saw Crusaders lose three goals and with it three points as visitors Glentoran left Seaview with a win and a move to third place in the Sports Direct Premiership table. 

In a frantic opening 15 minutes Crusaders had the upper hand as both sides knew only to attack but no goals materialised. Crusaders deservedly went ahead on 24 minutes when Jordan Forsythe headed home a Jarlath O'Rourke corner and Crusaders where in prime position. They had Jimmy Callacher to thank going in at half time when he cleared off the line and Crusaders agruably should have been further ahead come the whistle after 45 minutes. The second half was edgy without any real threat but it was when Robbie Weir came off with a knock just before the hour mark the game changed. Glentoran found a new gear and in seven blistering minutes they rattled in three goals without reply. Jordan Jenkins scored on 75 minutes when a Jimmy Callacher clearance fell kindly and he put the pall into the net after steadying himself. On 77 minutes Glentoran took the lead when a very lucky Charlie Lindsay sliced a shot that seemed to curl into the net leaving Johnny Tuffey stranded. Crusaders tried to hit back but where hit again themselves on 82 minutes when Wassim Aouachria poked the ball past Johnny Tuffey and despite his best efforts could not keep the ball out. The game then played itself out and Glentoran took the spoils.

So Friday 13th turned out to be a bit of a disaster for Crusaders but they have little time to dwell on it when they travel to Mourneview Park to play Glenavon on Tursday night.