Crusaders are back at it on Saturday at Seaview with Portadown coming to Seaview in a massive game of importance for both sides. Crusaders are buoyed by a good win last week away to Coleraine that pushed them into the top six again while Portadown look for a win after defeat last week to keep them in the top four. Both sides have big reasons to get the points so a good game is in store.
Crusaders welcomed several big players back last weekend from injury and it told with the display against Coleraine. Unfortunately since then Kieran Offord has been recalled by his parent club St. Mirren and will be missed but Declan Caddell will now plan without him and go again against Portadown. Jacob Blaney, who scored last week, Harry Franklin and Harry Jewitt -White all came through unscathed last week and will be available again. New signing Josh O'Connor showed signs of his pace and strength with a brilliant run and unselfish pass for Crusaders second last week and will relish leading the line in Kieran Offords place if selected. The rest of the squad are buzzing after a full weeks training under their belt rather than a game interrupting it and are ready to go. The last tas a marker ime Crusaders met Portadown at Shamrock Park Crusaders hit the woodwork four times and where the better team although eventually beaten and Declan will look to that as a marker to better the result.
Portadown will be out to erase defeat to Linfield last week. They still have a lot to play for in the Premiership this season and they will harbour hopes of a top four slot given where they are in the table at present. Niall Curries side continue to pull out results but they have won only twice in the last five games and are vulnerable at this time. They have a good mixture of experience and players making their way in the Premiership and will need watched. Key players are Ryan Mayse and Shea McCartan and Crusaders could come up against Gary Thompson, Paul McElroy, James Teelan or Jordan Williamson if they are selected.
We are calling you the supporter again to come along to Seaview for the game and give your famous backing once more to Declan and the team. Every week you go to games and your support is heard and appreciated by the team. Tickets are available at www.crusadersfc.com anytime, in Harry D's when open and up to 1pm on Saturday and then from the ticket office in the McDonald Centre from 1.30pm to kick off. We can't wait too see you in the Red and Black and getting behind your team. C'mon the Crues.