Supporters, colleagues, friends and family came out today to celebrate Billy Joe Burns testimonial game at Seaview when Salford City wghere the opposition. Salford City won 3-1 but the real winner and reason we where there was to honour our capatains 10 years and counting at the Club.
After a successful VIP meet and greet with Man Utd and Welsh legend Ryan Giggs and then a Q&A with Ryan and Billy Joe conducted by Sean Ward involving a larger audience Crusaders and Salford City players and management lined both sides of the area outside the dressing room at Seaview before Billy Joe Burns was introduced to the supporters and he was given a standing ovation when he walked out with his children.
The game was played in a great spirit and Salford went ahead when Junior Luamba scored from close range. Both sides traded shoots with Salford on top but Crusaders started to play themselves into the game but could not get back on terms by half time. The second half saw big changes in both sides as every player was given game time but it was Salford who doubled their lead when Conor McAleney hit a great shot from outside the box into the top corner of the net giving Johnny Tuffey little chance. Crusaders fought back well and got into a flow but could not make the breakthrough while Salford also tested the woodwork with some good attempts. It was 3-0 to the visitors on 69 minutes when Marcus Dackers scored even though Crusaders claims about a foul fell on deaf ears. In the final change of the game Ryan Kerr replaced Johnny Tuffey in nets and he made a few sharp saves in the 15 minutes he was on. With minutes left Ben Kennedy scored for Crusaders and it was well deserved given the effort the team had put in over the whole game. With little time left the whistle was blown and Salford City had won 3-1.
A massive thank you on behalf of Billy Joe Burns and his committee to everyone who came to the game or the events pre game and also to everyone who bought the specially designed shirts for the game. To the shirt sponsors and to Salford City who came over to play Seaview he would like to extend a special thanks and good luck for the incoming season.