On Wednesday night at Seaview Crusaders and Carrick Rangers meet (7.45pm) to determine who will play in the European Play Off Final on May Day. The stakes could not be higher as both Clubs will want the chance to play in the Conference League Qualifiers and the prize money that goes with it but it will mean everything to Crusaders players also to sign off manager Stephen Baxters managerial career at Seaview with European qualification.
After finishing fourth with a good finish to the Premiership games Crusaders are on a high heading into this but Stephen Baxter will keep the team level headed. They are veterans now in European football but there is still a lot of work to do before they can do it again. The team will be virtually replaced as to the team that where beaten 4-0 by Glentoran on Saturday in the final Sports Direct Premiership game as the first team squad return on mass after being rested. Only Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callagher and Josh Robinson are unavailable through injury so expect too see the strongest XI on the pitch. Paul Heatley should return after injury while Stewart Nixon could get a start given his recent performances Jordan Forsythe and Philip Lowry are peaking at the right time. The back four have been magnificent of late while Jordan Owens has rolled back the years with some wonderful football leading from the front with Adam Lecky and Jay Boyd stepping in as well when called on. It will be night for calm and experienced players and we have plenty of those who could be the difference.
Carrick Rangers have reached the Play Off Semi Final after pipping Dungannon Swifts to the all important seventh spot and for the first time got to this stage of the season. Stuart King will assess his squad and may still be without Kurtis Forsythe and Cameron Stewart through injury but he has been boosted by the the return of Joe Crowe and and Mark Surgenor after suspension and injury respectively. A win in the last game of the Premiership season against Glenavon last Saturday kept their form and Carrick Rangers will use it inspire another massive performance. Carrick Rangers have an experienced squad and will go into the game in positive mood. Crusaders could come up against Crusaders legends David Cushley and Andy Mitchell while up front Curtis Allen, Danny Gibson and Nedas Maciulaitis will cause problems so Crusaders defence will need to be on top form. James Teelan who is on loan to Carrick Rangers is not allowed to play against his parent club.
So the scene is set and the only thing missing are you the supporter.s We need everyone behind us so get the hat and scarf on, bring friends and family and be the 12th man. You have supported us so much all season even in the tough times and we want that one more time. Go to www.crusadersfc.com and buy your ticket (Season Tickets NOT VALID) and get right behind the team as we go for the Final. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.