It ended all square this evening at Solitude in the first North Belfast Derby of the season. The game that will not live long in the memory but Crusaders somwhat frustrated they did not leave with maximum points after a strong last 2o minutes.
The first half had very little of note and at times it was like a chess match as both sides cancelled each other out. Johnny Tuffey made a regular save on 6 minutes and on 12 minutes Nathan Gartside in the other goal was quickest to clear as Johnny McMurray closed. The big striker went high and wide with a long range effort on 13 minutes Both sides traded attacks but nothing that worried either keeper. Jordan Forsythe skied a free kick in a good position and Jarlath O'Rourke made several good defensive tackles to keep it 0-0. Johnny Tuffey made his second save of the night when he got down well to a Ronan Hale shot. Crusaders had a big shout for a penalty when Nathan Gartside and Rory McKeown came together but ref Shane Andrews waved play on. On 41 minutes Johnny McMurray had a great chance to put Crusaders ahead but he headed wide from a good position and the half finished 0-0.
Crusaders came out the stronger for the 2nd half and Philip Lowry had the best chance of the game when he headed wide under a bit of pressure. A football game had ignited and both sides were doing their best t0 score but nothing could hit the net. Johnny McMurray had another header saved on 62 minutes and Jordan Forsythe could not reach Ross Clarkes corner despite a good effort on 69 minutes. A minute later Johnny Tuffey stepped up again with a good stop from Ronan Hale. Crusaders nearly grabbed a vital winner on 78 minutes but he saw his header bounce of the post into safety and when Cliftonville countered they nearly scored. Johnny Tuffey kept Crusaders in the game with minutes remaining.when he timed his smother perfectly and saved a close range effort from Joe Gormley. With little or no further action the ref drew the game to a close and both sides had to settle for a point apiece.
So another point on the board and we llook forward to a weeks training and Saturdays game against Glenavon at home.