It was a night to remember for Paul Heatley as supporters came together to acknowledge and thank Paul for his services to the club in his testimonial game against St.Mirren at Seaview.
Paul was given a guard of honour by Crusaders and St.Mirren players and coaches and the crowd rose to their feet as he entered the pitch with two of his children. It was emotional moment for Paul as he applauded everyone on the pitch and in the stands for coming to the game.
The game itself was played in a good spirit and the two sides where evenly matched with St.Mirren hitting the post and Billy Joe Burns forcing a great save from Trevor Carson in the St.Mirren goal. St.Mirren broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Lewis Jamieson reacted to a parried shot quickest and put the ball past Johnny Tuffey. They doubled their lead on 41 minutes when Mark O'Hara who stole in at the back post and made it 2-0 and that was the way the first half ended.
There where changes at half time for both sides and as the second half started to settle down St. Mirren scored again with Kieran Offord nipping in to put the ball past the trialist keeper. Paul Heatley then left the field just before the hour to another great round of applause and again he responded with a wave and a clap. The game then played out with both sides playing brightly but no further goals and St.Mirren had won 3-0 at the final whistle.
So a great work out and although defeated their where some good performances and food for thought as we get ever nearer to our European tie. Next up is Comber Rec at Seaview this Saturday (3pm)
On behalf of Paul and his testimonial committee we would like to thank everyone who came to the game tonight and supported a legend.