After a disappointing Irish Cup quarter final loss on Friday to Sion Swifts Crusaders Strikers would be keen to bounce back in the league. With this being Mid Ulster’s first Sports Direct NIFL Premiership visit to Seaview it would seem easy but this team would no push overs.
The game started very open and scrappy. Both teams cancelled each other and battled well. Strikers’ Faith Johnson had the most changes but Lille Crooks was very competent. Crusaders seemed to up their game and more and more pressure was being applied in Mid-Ulster’s half. Racheal McLaren crossed the ball well in corner kicks. The pressure paid off when Leah McEvoy sprinted down the right wing and cut in with low shot into the corner. Soon after, after great work by Nicole Caldwell Julie Nelson followed up her shot with a goal.
Crusaders grew stronger and more confident in the second half. Leah McEvoy continued to find space and made great runs down the right. She set Mairead McCann up for the third goal. McCann came on as a sub and with her speed volleyed the cross into the net. McEvoy continued to shine with her intricate play and skilful touches. Eventually she was named Player of the match.
The match ended with a sensational save from substitute Mid Ulster keeper Nikola Kundekova from a sensational shot by Jessica Rea.
Final score 3-0
Next home game Friday 8th September against Glentoran.