It is Semi Final time and Crusaders make the short trip to The Oval to play Glentoran in the BetMcLean Cup. It is a massive game in the development of manager Declan Caddells young side and against an “in form” Glentoran team and with Crusaders in an injury crisis it will be a massive game they will embrace although the odds are heavily stacked against them in the current injury climate.It is cup football though and anything can happen and Crusaders will certainly not shirk from the task ahead.
Crusaders will assess the squad and how many fit players they actually have to field. It will also mean asking players to go beyond their injuries and play if asked in the hope they can play and help ease the demands being asked of others. Hopefully Ross Clarke, Kieran Offord, Harry Jewitt-White at least could make a return or at least make the bench and if called on. Declan Caddell will be pulling his hair out at the crisis he faces going into the game but never one to shy away he will send whoever is picked out and he will know they will give it everything for the team and the club. Jordan Owens may lead the line again if Kieran Offord does not make it while the senior players will help their younger team mates through such an important game.
Glentoran will be refreshed for the game because they didn't play at the weekend and Declan Devines hugely financed squad will have home adavantage also so they will feel the odds are stacked in their favour. Unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions Glentoran are an “in form” side and will be up for this one as they look to get to their second domestic final of the season. They have quality all ove r the pitch and the two main players to watch will be David Fisher and Jordan Jenkins should they be selected.
So we are all set for the Semi Final and Declan and the team need your backing now more than ever. Tickets are avaialble at https://www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-away-fans and Crusaders supporters are asked to use the Dee Street steps and walkway to enter the ground. Let's get behind the lads and help them into the Final. C'mon the Crues.