Matchday Guide: Crusaders

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine remained in sixth spot in the Danske Bank Premiership table after a 2-2 draw against Cliftonville on Good Friday. The Bannsiders looked like securing all three points as goals from Lyndon Kane and Andy Scott had the visitors in the ascendancy, but the Reds would grab a share of the spoils in stoppage as Ronan Hale’s free-kick deflected into the back of the net. Oran Kearney’s men will once again have to do without the suspended Aaron Jarvis.

Crusaders started their post-split fixtures with a hard earned 0-0 draw against Linfield at Windsor Park. Stephen Baxter’s side are fifth in the Premiership standings – four points ahead of Coleraine. The Hatchetmen have progressed to the final of the Irish Cup where they will meet Ballymena United in a repeat of last year’s decider.

Previous meetings:

After the first game between the two sides was postponed due to the sad passing of the Queen, the Bannsiders welcomed Crusaders to The Showgrounds last month. The hosts would make a poor start as McCauley Snelgrove blasted an effort into the bottom corner after just 47 seconds. To make matters worse, Coleraine would concede a second after 14 minutes on the clock when Adam Lecky burst into the box and cut the ball back for Jude Winchester. The midfielder had the precision to find Philip Lowry inside the area and he picked his spot beyond a helpless Gareth Deane. The Stripes needed a response before the break and it arrived in fortunate circumstances on 39 minutes as corner kick by Lynch was headed towards goal by Stephen O’Donnell, with the ball taking several deflections before finding the back of the net. On 66 minutes, Coleraine would have another opportunity as substitute Evan McLaughlin teed the ball up for Shevlin at the edge of the box but his low drive was parried by Tuffey and cleared to safety. Oran Kearney brought on James McLaughlin with 15 minutes to go and the striker almost made an instant impact as his half volley forced Tuffey into a low smart save as Crusaders held out for a 2-1 victory.

In December, the Stripes made it a memorable week as they picked up their third victory in six days at The Showgrounds. Coleraine would hit the front on 12 minutes as Josh Carson’s free-kick came back off the post with Aaron Jarvis in the right place at the right time to follow in the rebound. In a first-half with very few chances, the visitors went close on 29 minutes as Adam Lecky headed wide from Jordan Forsythe, with in-form Philip Lowry also nodding past the post from Ross Clarke’s delivery. Stephen Baxter’s side would threaten on 55 minutes as Paul Heatley’s shot on the turn went straight into the gloves of Gareth Deane. However, the Stripes would make it 2-0 on 61 minutes as Dean Jarvis and Jamie Glackin combined to tee up Evan McLaughlin who arrowed into the back of the net. Crusaders needed an instant lifeline but the best they could muster was a strike from Adam Lecky which Deane comfortably held to make it five successive clean sheets in the Premiership.

In February, the Stripes would leave Seaview empty handed as a goal in each half from Paul Heatley and Adam Lecky did the damage in north Belfast. On a breezy afternoon, Crusaders would take the lead just after the half hour mark as Stephen O’Donnell misjudged the flight of the ball which allowed Heatley to run through and score. This would almost be repeated just before the interval as Conor McDermott was caught underneath the ball but Heatley failed to find the back of the net as he was denied by Gareth Deane. Just after Rory McKeown and Ross Clarke went close for the hosts, Coleraine had their first sight of goal as Jack O’Mahony’s strike from 25 yards sailed over the bar. However, Crusaders secured all three points on 86 minutes as Philip Lowry robbed the Bannsiders in possession and squared the ball to Lecky who converted.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s so important we keep going,” Kearney said.

“Cliftonville asked us plenty of questions but to be fair to our guys, I thought we stood up to the majority of it.

“That’s the levels we need to be at and when we hit this top six and into the play-offs, that’s the expectation we need to be at.

“There’s big parts of it we are happy with but the key thing is eradicating those simple errors that cost us the goals.

“There’s still a huge amount to play for, particularly with the play-offs at the end.

“It’s important that you finish as high up the table as possible to get a home venue and you want to go into them in as good form as well.

“It’s cranked right up and there’s everything to play for.”

Officials:

The match referee is Keith Kennedy.

The assistant referees are Ken Ross and Gavin Hegarty.

Mark Milligan has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).