Crusaders go again on Saturday as they look to climb as high as they can in the Sports Direct Premiership with an aim of getting home advantage in the European play offs in a few weeks should they miss out on the automatic european spot. Their opponents this week are Glentoran who come to Seaview (3pm kick off) in second spot and in the box seat for the automatic slot but both sides know what effect a win could do for both sides. An intriguing game and one not to be missed.
The squad are ready and looking forward to another blockbuster. It was a great day just a few weeks ago when we ground out a 1-0 win over Glentoran in the pre split game at The Oval to get us into the top six and it will be a case of lets do it again at Seaview on Saturday. Lewis Barr and Alex King return after suspension to boost the squad but we will be without Jordan Stewart who was sent off late in the game against Larne last Saturday. Jacob Blaney and Harry Jewitt-White are missing with shoulder injuries along with the long term inured players Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky but Declan Caddell will let his side know what is expected and how to go about the game in the way needed to win. This game is the third cup final of five in such important circumstances and a win could the catalyst of finishing strongly after a defeat and draw in the first two games of the split.
Glentoran where hurt by the defeat Crusaders inflicted on on them back in March and Declan Devine will use it as motivation to try and get a win. The strongly financed team will be left in no doubt what the expectation is and they know Crusaders will be up for it also. Fuad Sule in midfield is the one to watch as he makes Glentoran tick but with David Fisher, Joe Thomson and Danny Amos all in goal scoring form the back four plus Johnny Tuffey will have to be on top form like they where a few weeks ago to stop them.
You have got behind the team every week and the last few games you have raised the bar. We are looking to you again to get behind Declan and the lads as they look to beat Glentoran and keep a slim hope alive of an automatic european place. Tickets can be bought at www.crusadersfc.com, from Harry D's up to 1pm on Saturday or from the ticket office in the McDonald Centre from 1.30pm to kick off. Buy your ticket and be the 12th man on an another important day at Seaview. C'mon the Crues.