Crusaders’ management team of Wylie and Baird had some strong words for their players at half time. They also modified their formation at half-time in an attempt to exact more sustained pressure on the Glens defence and the introduction of substitutes Debbie McCarthy for Steph Dickinson and Clare Carson for Roisin McFeely were to have a key bearing on their style of play in the second half. Anyone who arrived to the game after half-time would have been struck by the more direct style adopted by Crusaders as well as the brave decision to change their defensive formation to a threesome in order to strengthen their offensive patterns of play. These were to prove crucial in their clawing back of the 1-0 deficit courtesy of centre forward Helen McKenna’s chasing down of what appeared to be a hopeless long ball over the top causing little or no danger to Glens. However, Glens keeper, Katie Farrell did not protect the ball sufficiently as it slowed towards the end line and McKenna’s hunger paid off when she crossed for Nicole Connolly whose goal brought the scores level. Lyndsey Patterson who carried an injury into the game was replaced soon after by Lisa Armour with approximately 20 minutes remaining in the game and Connolly moved to the right wing. Crusaders’ goal certainly lifted their spirits and injected some much needed confidence into some of their players at a time when the game could have undoubtedly ran away from them. Crues’ Angela Platt was again the busier of the two keepers in the second half but the timely departure of the rain clouds seemed to signal a change in fortunes for them. Their second goal came from a period of sustained pressure in which Danielle McDowell’s low corner landed dangerously in the packed penalty box and six footer international netballer, Debbie McCarthy headed the ball into the Glens’ goal with the deftest of touches. It was those vital inches, six foot or more of them in this case, that determined the final outcome of the game and while Glens pushed for an equaliser, Crusaders were more than a determined match for them at this point, leaving the final score at 2-1 for the away team.

The game was generally played in a good spirit even if some of the physical challenges were considered to be cautionable offences by the referee. Four yellow cards were doled out, two to both teams. Not surprisingly, the free kick count was much higher in this game but the professional and firm approach of referee, Neil Gillespie, meant that both teams continued to demand greater efforts of each other in a sporting fashion. Given the tight scoreline and the role of two set plays in shaping the final outcome, undoubtedly both management teams will look back on the game and analyse those minute aspects of the game – those few inches – that culminated in an away win and a top of the league table position for Crusaders. On balance, the second half probably belonged to Crusaders and their performance in those 45 minutes should give them some satisfaction. Their first half under-performance will undoubtedly give them some food for thought as well as the lower numbers of clear-cut chances created by them over the full 90 minutes. Conversely, Glentoran’s dominance of the first half and their lobsided attacks, almost all of which were launched down the right wing and revolving around Laura Hislop, was not sustained by them over the full 90 minutes. Equally, they will have food for thought in terms of the ratio of chances to goals created by them. The result leaves Crusaders three points ahead close to the midpoint of the NIWFA Davisons Frudles League and sets up a tantalising return fixture. While both teams were outstanding in terms of their commitment, there were some outstanding individual performances of note from Makayla Mulholland, Nicole Connolly who is undoubtedly one to watch for the future, Helen McKenna and composed defenders Glens left-back Demi Vance and Julie Nelson (Crusaders). Crues’ next match is at home to MidUlster Ladies at the Valley Leisure Centre on May 24th. Kick-off, 7.30pm.

Report by: Katie Liston.