This Saturday sees Crusaders head off down the M1 to play Loughgall in their next Sports Direct Premiership game of the season. Three defeats on the trot has stopped manager Declan Caddells good start to his managerial career but he will only look forward and a win is the only thing on the teams mind. Loughgall have had a poor start start to the season with only one win to date but again Dean Smith will only be thinking positively and look to turn things around which means both sides have a lot to play for.
Without only the long term absentees in Adam Lecky, Billy Joe Burns and Lloyd Anderson and concussion injured Philip Lowry manager Declan Caddell has the full squad to choose from. We may find that the starting XI could be freshened up as Crusaders look to get back to winning ways but only the management team will know who will get the nod at this time. A week of training has the team refreshed and ready to go and the one thing that runs through everyone is the desire to come away on Saturday afternoon with three points and to move back up the Premiership table. Jordan Stewart, Harry Franklin, Kieran Offord and Jordan Owens are all pushing for a starting place up front while Jimmy Callacher could get a start in defence after another game for the reserves as raeches full fitness again. This may mean Robbie Weir going back to midfield to his usual position and a reshuffle in that area.
Loughgall have found the going tough this season after a great start last season that saw them surprise quite a few. The loss to Larne of Benji Magee has hurt Dean Smiths side with only one win to show son far and bar an opening day win they have not collected three points since then leaving them one from bottom in the table. Loughgall do have several players who have a lot of Premiership experience in Conor McDermott, Ryan Waide and Conor McCloskey so they will not be taken lightly in any way. Dean Smith will be frustrated as how his team have performed this season but he will keep going and send his team out with the aim of breaking the bad run. Jay Boyd who is on loan from Crusaders of course can not play as part of the loan terms.
So all set for a massive game for both sides. As usual we are calling for your support and the team appreciate you all following them around the country. You can pick your ticket up now at www.loughgallfc.co.uk and get the hat and scarf on also letting everyone know you are there. Let's get behind the team at Lakeview Park. C'mon the Crues.