It is the final Sports Direct Premiership game before the split and a game that has massive repercussions for Crusaders. It is Glentoran v Crusaders at The Oval this Saturday (3pm) and nothing but a win or draw is needed to secure a top six place and a definite chance to get into the european “play offs” come May. Glentoran will alos be wanting three points to get second place before the split and put some space between them and Dungannon Swifts who play on Monday night.
Declan Caddell will let the team know what this means to everyone and after a good week training they are all eager to play and get a positive result. Apart from the long term absentees everyone is available including Stewart Nixon who comes back into the squad after his injury weeks ago. The whole team will want to make up for the draw last week against bottom placed Loughgall that has left them needing this result and this will be the motivation they need. Jimmy Callacher and Jacob Blaney will need to have another good game at the heart of defence to stop Glentoran attacking while Johnny Tuffey in goals could be kept a busy man. also.
Glentoran will be wanting to pick themselves up after a Cup Final defeat, a scoreless draw last Saturday and drawing again on Tuesday night after leading 2-0. They will certainly be out to prove themselves to their support and finish the games before the split on a high. A win secures second place ahead of that split while a draw or defeat leaves them sweating with Dungannon Swifts not playing until Monday evening against Linfield. The highly finaced squad have riches all the park with Marcus Kane in defence, Fuad Sule in midfield and David Fisher up front three examples of the quality they have. Manager Declan Devine will know how important this game is to both teams and how Crusaders could upset them in this game and will set his side up accordingly.
So a game that means a lot to the Club and we want you there with us. Go to www.glentoran.com and buy your ticket and follow us to East Belfast. Your support is needed for this one and if you can back us like you have all season it will help push the team on and secure a top six place. Let's do this together. C'mon the Crues.