Report by Glenn Kelly
Crusaders and Linfield played out a 0-0 draw at Windsor Park on Saturday evening with both sides failing to break the deadlock.
Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter made five changes from the starting side that blew Newry City away last time out. One of those changes were made close to kick-off with Jude Winchester picking up an injury in the warm up and being replaced by McCauley Snelgrove.
With both sides locked on the same points before kick-off, Crusaders were hoping for a repeat of their 2-1 victory over Linfield at Seaview in September.
In front of a energetic crowd, both sides were unwilling to take any unnecessary risks in the first-half leading to a cagey opening. Robbie McDaid had the home side’s two best chances of the half, managing to race in behind the high Crusaders defensive line on both occasions, only to see his shots fail to hit the target.
Crusaders’ best chance of the half fell to Adam Lecky on 42 minutes. A swinging cross from the left courtesy of Paul Heatley was met by Lecky whose glancing header floated just beyond the far post.
The half will likely be best remembered for the amount of injuries and substitutions made by both sides. Crusaders brought on Declan Caddell, who made his first appearance of the season; Stephen Fallon was an early victim for David Healy’s charges, whilst Crusaders lost both Robbie Weir and Daniel Larmour, giving Baxter a headache in defensive options. At half-time the score remained goal-less.
Crusaders began the second half much brighter and came close to scoring in the 53rd minute. A corner from the right fell to Billy Joe Burns at the back post and his low drive was blocked by Cameron Palmer close to the line; a scramble ensued in the box with Snelgrove having his shot saved by Blue’s keeper Chris Johns.
Linfield Substitute Liam McStravick had the chance of the second half in the 82nd minute. Jamie Mulgrew slid through a defence splitting pass, with McStravick having his shot saved by Jonny Tuffey at the near post in the Crusaders goal.
Despite the chances neither side could break the deadlock and the match finished without a notch on the scoresheet. Given the injuries facing Crusaders they will be the happier of the two sides with the result, as both teams hang on in the title race.