Sports Direct Premiership football comes back to Seaview after a break of three weeks and bottom side Ballymena Utd are the visitors (7.45pm) It's an important game for both and for different reasons as Crusaders will look for a win to stay well in touch at the top of the Premiership while Ballymena Utd are desperate to kick start their season after the first eleven games have only produced two wins.
After last weeks 1-1 draw at Inver Park against Larne Crusaders left disappointed for not taking all three points and the performance levels are high. A good week training and the spirits remain high so Stephen Baxter will need no motivational speech to get the team going on Friday night. Virtually everyone is in good shape so we will see a strong team take the field. Ben Kennedy will look to build on his great start and goal tally for the season and with Philip Lowry and Paul Heatley chipping in with goals we could see both leading the sides attack once again. Adam Lecky has also been in good form so goals could be on the cards while at the back Billy Joe Burns and Rory McKeown to name but two have been solid at the back and have helped build a solid foundation.
Ballymena Utd and Jim Ervin have had it tough in the first round of games and with only two wins and nine defeats they will look to turn things around so Crusaders will be prepared for a spirited side hoping to change their fortunes. We will of course come up against ex Crusaders players Sean O'Neill, Colin Coates and Johnny McMurray if selected but reserve captain Corrie Burns (who is on loan to Utd from Crusaders) will miss out due to the loan agreement and anyway would have missed out after being sent off last week. Players to watch out for are Steven McCullough, Ryan Waide and Mikey Place who could be the player that kicks their season finally into gear.
We want you behind us as always so go now to www.crusadersfc.com and buy the all important ticket. You can buy at Harry D's bar up to 6 pm on Friday and after that from the Ticket Office inside the McDonald Centre from 6.15pm. Your support goes from strength to strength and we love to hear song after song giving your backing to the team so let's do it all again.
You can also go VIP for the night and Crusaders are offering a superb Hospitality Package that will be hosted in the Hospitality Suite upstairs in the McDonald Centre and we want you to join us for the following….
All of the above for £20pp (not including match ticket) and a kids option for £15pp (includes a soft drink) is a great way to start the weekend and enjoy the game. Go now to www.crusadersfc.com and buy the package and have a great night at Seaview this Friday night.
Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues