It is a day that is circled in the calendar when the fixtures come out and the North Belfast Derby rarely disappoints. Yes it's Crusaders v Cliftonville at Seaview (3pm) and with both teams with full points from games played something has to give in the usual “blood and thunder” of derby day.
Crusaders are buzzing with two out of two wins and they head into this game knowing that it is the hardest test yet in the new tenure of manager Declan Caddells reign. A win is the only thing on their minds since winning against Ballymena Utd last Tuesday night and with it being a baptism of fire for the new members of the team we will see the levels raised so far even further. The long term injured obviously miss out and Ross Clarke misses also as he fights back from an injury sustained a few weeks ago. Manager Declan Caddell along with Assitant David Rainey and Coach Steven Livingstone knows all about the hot atmosphere of this game having played in them wearing red and black and they will offer their words of advice to the team ahead of kick off.
Cliftonville are also in good form and Jim Magiltons side will also know the importance of this game not only to the Premiership but to local bragging rights. Veteran striker Joe Gormley has hit the ground running this season with goals but it remains to be seen if Clifonville will find it hard to score with losing Ben Wilson and Ronan Hale. New striker Destiny Ojo will certainly play a part and like the Crusaders “new boys” he will be thrown into the the fire of this game. Three wins out of three is a great start to the season but the management team will still be wary of what could happen and the danger Crusaders possess.
The game sells itself so make sure you have a ticket. Only new and valid season tickets will be accepted at the turnstiles so please call and get your new ticket on Thursday from the Ticket Office in the McDonald Centre between 6-8pm on Thursday evening.
Non Season Ticket holders can purchase their ticket at www.crusadersfc.com or by calling in to Harry D's up to 1pm on matchday. After that the ticket office will be open from 1.30pm to kick off where can pay for a ticket before entering the ground.
We can't wait to see you at Seaview on Saturday in our first home game of the season so get the red and black out and follow your team in the North Belfast Derby. You can make the differene