It's a change of competition on Saturday and a new sponsor for the Irish Cup which of course proudly sits in our boardroom. Crusaders play Ards in the Clearer Water Irish Cup as the bid to win the Irish Cup for the third time starts at Seaview (3pm) and we are ready to give it a real go once again. It's a cup game and anything can happen and Ards will look to cause the upset while Crusaders will be out to keep their hands on the trophy so it looks to be a cracker in store.
Stephen Baxter will assess the squad ahead of picking his team. Illness and injury have played their part over the last few weeks and it has been a case of patching a team together to play. There should be little change in the squad but Philip Lowry could start this one after a few appearances from the bench as he returns from concussion. Adam Lecky could replace Jordan Owens also if fully fit again while Jay Boyd could make the starting line up after returning from Loughgall and a loan deal. Crusaders will be motivated and hungry to retain the Irish Cup for the third time in a row so a big performance is needed from the start.
Ards sit 10th in the Championship and have not won in six games but cup football is different and a “one off” but they will feel they can produce a big performance and an upset. They have also parted company this week with their manager Matthew Tipton so their temporary staff have also nothing to lose in going for a win. They have a sprinkling of players who have played Premiership football and will not be underestimated and if selected ex Crusaders players Michael Ruddy, Neil Shields, David McAllister and Aidan Steele could face their old team mates. Ards players to watch out for Callum Dougan, Ross Hunter and James McLaughlin.
So we are all set and the only thing thing missing are you the supporter. We need you more than ever and we want you to get behind the team again. Season tickets are not valid for the game so everyone must buy a ticket to get into the game. Go to www.crusadersfc.com to buy or call into Harry D's when open to also purchase. On Saturday you can also buy from the ticket office inside the McDonald Centre from 1.30pm up to kick off. Bring the colours and songs and be the 12th man. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.