The Premiership race is left behind this weekend as the Samuel Gelstons Irish Whiskey Irish Cup Quarter Final day is here and it comes no bigger than a titanic battle between Crusaders and Glentoran at Seaview this Saturday (3pm) With a lot of other "big teams " out of the competition both sides will feel they have a good chance of collecting the Irish Cup come May and of course in the case of Crusaders a chance to retain the cup they already have in their trophy cabinet.
Crusaders go into the game as holders and they will want to repeat the scenes at The National Stadium and after at Seaview once again but also know the challenge ahead. Glentoran will offer stiff resistance but Crusaders are "in form" and will be confident heading into the game. The team should pick itself given the superb performances over the last few weeks but Stephen could still pull a surprise if he feels it could change the game. Chris Hegarty may be available after recovering from a groin injury but we will be without Ben Kennedy and Brandon Doyle who still are recovering from long term injury. Crusaders have won the Irish Cup five times before.
Glentoran go into the game having not won their last two games in the Premiership but cup football is different and probably a happy diversion for Rodney McAree at the minute. Glentoran have been reborn since McAree has taken charge and his big money assembled squad will look to deliver in the Cup now their title challenge has fallen away but Crusaders will be aware. Niall McGinn limped off against Glenavon on Tuesday and may be missing but Sean McCartan, Jay Donnelly and Conor McMenamin to name a few will still be players Crusaders will be looking out for. Glentoran have won the Irish Cup twenty three times.
Crusaders and Glentoran have met three times this season with Glentoran winning two at The Oval and Crusaders one at Seaview
19/08/22 Glentoran 3 Crusaders 1
03/12/22 Crusaders 3 Glentoran 2
30/01/23 Glentoran 2 Crusaders 0
Referee Ian McNabb
Asst Referees Stephen Bell & Paul Robinson
4th Official Andrew Davey
So a massive game needs a massive crowd and that is you. Your support is needed for this one and we know you will respond. Season tickets are NOT VALID for this game so everyone needs to purchase a ticket. You can buy at www.crusadersfootballclub.com or call in to Harry D's between 11am-11pm and secure that all important ticket. If any tickets are left they will go on sale from the ticket office in the McDonald Centre at 1.30pm but this is unlikey. Buy now to avoid missing this cracking game. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.