It is Crusaders second cup final of five on Saturday and the visitors to Seaview are Larne (3pm) The game is massive with stakes high on both sides and more importantly direct and “play off” places for europe to play for. Crusaders will look to bounce back from defeat to Champions Linfield on Tuesday night while Larne will push to get back to second place after dropping third with a 1-1 draw against Dungannon Swifts last time out.
Manager Declan Caddel felt his side still played well in defeat and if they had taken the chances at the right time things could have been different. That defeat has been put to bed and the focus is now going forward and Larne. Niggles and walking wounded have been assessed and those who are fit will make the squad for picking again. Ross Clarke and Harry Jewitt-White are both casualties from the Linfield game and they will be given every opportunity to play if they have a big chance of making it. Lloyd Andersons return has also been a boost while Daniel Larmour and Jimmy Callacher should start again in the centre of defence. Crusaders will look to their last performance against Larne when they won 1-0 at Inver Park and it will give them a bench mark again to repeat that and push themselves back up the table.
Outgoing Champions Larne dropped to third place on Tuesday night but they will gather again ahead of this game. Gary Haverons side will not want two further games at the end of a long season given the european matches they played so second place is where they aim to be come 26th April as will all the others. The heavily financed squad should pick themselves at this stage and Paul O'Neill will be the main man to watch after scoring the last few games. Quality all over the field will keep Crusaders busy but
So we go again and your support will be a massive boost at Seaview over the next few weeks. You can buy your ticket one of three ways. Go to www.crusadersfc.com anytime and purchase, head to Harry D's when open and buy over the bar or you can buy from the Ticket Office in the McDonald Centre from 1.30pm to kick off. Make Seaview Red and Black by wearing the colours and your songs sung at the top of your voice. Back the lads as we look to finish this seasons campaign at the highest level. C'mon the Crues.