Crusaders have just two pre seasons game left before the big kick off against Glentoran on Friday week and Thursday night is one of them when they play local side Newington at Seaview (7.45pm) By this stage it is all about minutes in the legs for players and Declan Caddell will make sure everyone has time on the pitch before that Glentoran opener.
It has been a blend of old and new in every game throughout pre season and everyone has been pleasing to the eye and the new players have integrated well. Declan has probably got his starting XI in his head for the opening game of the season but there is still time for a few players to impress and give the management team a headache for that opening game.
Newington are no strangers to Seaview having ground shared in the past and won the Steel & Sons Cup there two years ago. It will give some of their team who play in the NIFL Championship a chance to show thay can match their NIFL Premiership counterparts albeit in a friendly. They also have had some “in and outs” during the close season and the squad will want to impress manager Paul Hamilton before they kick off in the Championship against Annagh United on Saturday 10th August.
Admission to the game is £6 Adult and £4 Concession and can be bough at www.crusadersfc.com , in Harry D's or from the ticket office in thye McDonald Centre from 6.15pm to kick off.
See you there. C'mon the Crues.