It's the last game before the split and Crusaders are away to Newry City where a win could jump them into fourth place if the result is favourable at the Oval and Glentoran draw or are beaten. Newry City are also on the look out for a vital win as they fight it out with Ballymena United at the foot of the table.
Crusaders go into the game in good spirits and are on a good run over the past weeks. The draw against Coleraine was hard fought and where unlucky not to collect all three points but the side will go out again with high hopes and three points a must. Stephen Baxter could be without Paul Heatley after limping out of the Coleraine game with a hamstring problem but apart from long term absentees Jimmy Callagher and Josh Robinson and the suspended Adam Lecky everyone should be available. With a break after the game of two weeks Stephen will play the strongest team possible. Jordan Owens could start this one with Jay Boyd also an option and with Paul Heatley possibly missing it could be a chance for one of the young players who have been on the bench to get a start. We will know at approx 2.45pm who gets the nod and the message will be to win and nothing else.
Newry City under Barry Gray are fighting hard at the bottom of the Sports Direct Premiership and will be pushing to get ahead of Ballymena United over the next weeks. They have only won four games all season but Stephen Baxter will respect them massively and an upset will be the main challenge for Newry City. Adam Salley misses through suspension and Crusaders player Brandon Doyle misses out also as he is on loan to Newry City.
So an important game for both sides and we are looking for your support heading into a vital game. Go now to Future Ticketing | Newry City AFC and purchase your ticket ahead of travelling to Newry. We need your support from the start and we know you will give it 100%. See you at Newry Showgrounds. Keep the Faith. C'mon the Crues.