It is only three games to go in the Sports Direct Premiership including the last North Belfast Derby of the season that will be played this Tuesday night (7.45pm) at Seaview. It is a game that means a lot more to Crusaders than Cliftonville as fourth place is still up for grabs in a battle with Glentoran while Cliftonville cannot go anywhere else other than third in the table but with an Irish Cup Final date in May and Europe secured they will still want bragging rights in the Derby game as well.
Crusaders did not deserve the defeat or manner of defeat against Linfield on Friday past after the performance especially in the second half but that has gone now and the focus is nine points from nine in the last games starting with Cliftonville. Everyone played their part but Stephen may mix it up as tired legs and bodies at this stage of the season starts to take its toll. Jude Winchester limped off and may not make the game and Adam Lecky should come back into contention after missing Fridays game. It could mean a rest for Jordan Owens to the bench after another super performance against Linfield and Adam Lecky starting but Jay Boyd could also make a start if called on. Paul Heatley could also make a start after making the bench after being out injured the last few weeks but the rest of the side should pick itself. The importance of a win cannot be under estimated and the winning mentality will be drummed into them all before taking the field.
Cliftonville will be rocked after the massive defeat to Larne on Saturday night and will want to show it was a “one off” and get to winning ways against Crusaders. Ronan Hale will of course miss the game after being sent off but it will give another player a chance to stake a cup final place if selected and they perform well. Jim Magilton will get it through to them that only a big performance will be accepted and cup final places are up for grabs so Crusaders will be ready to meet a fired up Cliftonville side. Player to watch out for are Rory Hale, Ben Wilson and of course Joe Gormley while Chris Curran could also cause problems if he plays.
So North Belfast Derby fever will kick in again and we want you at Seaview on Tuesday night to get behind Stephen and the lads. You have been brilliant all season but knocked it up a gear last Friday night against Linfield and we want you to again bring that atmosphere to the game. Ticket are on sale at www.crusadersfc.com or in Harry D's up to 6pm on the day. After that they are available from 6.15pm to kick off from the Ticket Office in the McDonald Centre. With your backing we can win the North Belfast Derby and keep our European dream alive. We look forward to seeing you at the game. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.