Crusaders where on the end of a 3-0 defeat today at the hands of Carrick Rangers and it left manager Declan Caddell an angry and hurt man after it had all ended. It was a poor performanace by Crusaders standards practically from the first whistle and it got worse as they where 2-0 down within 14 minutes and 3-0 down by half time. The second half they could not make any headway getting back into the game and by the end os the game they knew it had been a bad day.
Carrick Rangers set out like a house on fire and they went close when Johnny Tuffey didn't collect properly but did well to put the shooter off after only two minutes. Crusaders hit back but Jordan Forsythes cross was just to far ahead for Harry Jewitt-White to connect, Carrick Rangers kept going forward and they went ahead on 11 minutes when a cross was met by Emmett McGuickin at the back post to head in from close range. Their tails where up and Crusaders where stunned just three minutes later with another Carrick Rangers goal. A long punt by Ross Glendinning was flicked on by Emmett McGuickin and Paul Heatley ran on to it under presssure from Lewis Barr and beat Johnny Tuffey in a “one on one”. Crusaders again tried to react but Jarlath O'Rourkes effort went straight to the keeper while a Ross Clarke effort flew high and wide. Carrick Rangers where happy to hold on to their lead and half time came without further incident.
Crusaders just could not find the gears to start going and it was Paul Heatley again who let fly but his effort went wide for the home side. It was only a matter of time before it bacame 3-0. A free kick was put into the Crusaders box and Johnny Tuffey punched clear only for it to fall to Paul Heatley who volleyed him through players into the net and suddenly Carrick Rangers where coasting at 3-0. Crusaders tried to pull a goal back but Carrick Rangers had a great rearguard action and the defence stood strong. Indeed it wasn't until the 75 minute that Harry Jewitt-Whites “on target” header was saved by Ross Glendinning and Jordan Owens had a shot well over after a good build up. Carrick Rangers where happy again to see the second half close without drama and on the whistle it was 3-0 to the home side.
A bad day but we know right now that Declan Caddell and management team are building and we know there will be days like this. It will be dust down and get back at it on Monday at training as the focus turns to next Sundays game away to Coleraine.