Author: crusadersafc

Ballyduff AFC 0 – 0 Crusaders AFC

Last Saturday evening saw our over 35s 4th division squad travel the short journey to Ballyduff. Manager Moran was facing a selection dilemma for the first time this season, with the threat of running out of jerseys (and Deep Heat) a possibility.

Despite the lack of goals, this was a great game for the spectator. Crusaders were the stronger side in the first half down the hill, as conditions played their part. The Ballyduff keeper kept out several chances from Crusaders in the first 30 minutes, and with the game played at a frantic pace, half time was welcomed by both teams.

The second half saw the home side up the pressure, with Crusaders defending stoutly. Keeper Paul Lawrence was on fine form second half, putting it all on the line on several occasions to keep the home side scoreless. Up front, David Power tormented the Ballyduff defence all game, bringing the midfield into the game and staking a claim for a regular start up top.

Pat Heffernan and Brendan Byrne impressed on their debuts, and will undoubtedly provide much needed competition in key positions as the summer arrives. Regulars such as Peter O’Byrne, Karl Barnaville, Trevor Power, Andrew Titley, Paul O’Neill, Mark Kennedy and Austin Hanrahan once again proved to be the epitome of consistency. Worthy of a special mention is the telepathic link up play between John Rockett and Patrick Egan which was a highlight.

With no fixture next weekend, there are several quads, hamstrings and knees that need time to recover before we get another chance to impress. A gentle training session is planned for Tuesday @ 7pm.

Starting XI: Paul Lawrence, Andrew Titley, Trevor Power, Paul O’Neill, Karl Barnaville (C), John Rockett, Austin Hanrahan, Patrick Egan, Peter O’Byrne, David Power, Patrick Heffernan. Subs: Brendan Byrne, Mark Kennedy

Dungarvan Celtic 3 – 1 Crusaders AFC

On Saturday last, our 2B team came up against a well-oiled Dungarvan Celtic side in Lawnfield Park and, despite a strong performance on the day, came away empty handed. Absent a few key players on the day through injury and other commitments, Crusaders still put a strong side on the field, the benefits of a large, able squad allowing a full panel of 20 to be named. Manager Murphy had sleep-depriving problems the night before in terms of selection and approach, but a clear and concise message was delivered to the team beforehand – the graphics department had been comprehensive in terms of positional play and tactics, and the scouting team were up to speed on the opponents, expecting a strong team playing a game very much suited to their home ground.

Celtic took the lead on 14 minutes, firing past an impressive Joe Barry after some confusion in defence. However, the backline of Jim, Jordan, Devin and impressive debutant Andrew Richards grew into the game and never looked under pressure for the remainder of the half. In fact, it was Crusaders who looked most likely to score thereafter up until the break, with the Celtic keeper on fine form. The equaliser eventually came on the stroke of half time, when Ben Brophy calmly slotted home a penalty.

Playing up the imposing hill in the second half, Crusaders needed to lift their game and came out guns blazing. Zak once again was unselfish in his running up front against a tough tackling Celtic back line, and very nearly managed to score what would have been a spectacular goal, running from the halfway line and holding off three defenders only to shoot narrowly wide.

The home side scored twice more however, taking advantage of the conditions and the diminutive pitch as a home side should. Crusaders probably deserved more in what was a close fought encounter, won out by a fine side who know and play to their strengths.

Starting XI: Joe Barry, Jim Brennan, Devin Enright, Jordan Wall, Andrew Richards, Sean Halpin (C), Zak O’Connor, Ben Brophy, Conor Brennan, Eoin Daly, Tommy Smyth. Subs: Alex Cowman, Alex Kavanagh (86’), Daniel Brennan (75’), Padraig Brennan, Luke McCarthy, Jordan Daniels (86’), Cian O’Murchu, David Glynn (45’)

The next draw takes place on 8th April. Top prize is €5,400. Be in it to win it!

All funds raised by the club are invested into the development of Whitfield Park, none of which would have been possible without our Lotto funds, so thank you very much for playing.

Remember, if you play online – https://bit.ly/waterfordsportslotto – be sure to select “Crusaders AFC” from the menu.

Our 4th division squad travel the short distance to Ballyduff this Saturday for a 4:30pm kick off.

Our 2B team travel to Dungarvan this Saturday to take on early table-toppers Dungarvan Celtic. Kick off is at 2pm.

Crusaders AFC 2 – 1 De La Salle (2B) – Match Report

Though he gave nothing away regarding team selection or formation, Crusaders 2B manager Kevin Murphy did note in Friday’s pre-match press conference the desire to turn Whitfield Park into a fortress, somewhere no opposition team in this year’s 2B division would want to visit.  Getting the grounds ready for football has taken a gargantuan effort over the past few months, and our 2B team have certainly played their part with several of the team giving their time, sweat and whacking skills to the cause.  These efforts all played their part in Saturday’s win over De La Salle. 

With the surface well-watered, with fresh new nets inviting a shoot-on-sight approach, and a near capacity crowd bringing local traffic to a standstill, Crusaders took to the field with purpose on Saturday.  Minus the suspended Paddy O’Neill and the injured David Cheasty, Murphy introduced Stephen Pollard and Tommy Smyth for their first starts of the season in an otherwise unchanged lineup from the previous outing.

As the TV cameras watched from high up in the gantry, Crusaders immediately set about quietening a De La Salle team who had scored four last time out.  On 10 minutes, a well worked move ended with Ben Brophy playing a killer ball to Zak O’Connor, who beat the offside trap and poked past the keeper to put Crusaders one-up.  The Whitfield men further extended their lead on 19 minutes when Smyth made it 2-0 with a smart finish. 

But De La Salle weren’t for rolling over, and they pulled one back in the 27^th minute, a well worked goal which the imperious Pollard simply couldn’t keep out.  The video analysts will be replaying this one for an otherwise flawless left full back at training this week.

Similarly to last time out, midfield maestro Odhran O’Donnell was pivotal in every forward move from the blue-and-reds, ably supported by Smyth and Sean Halpin. Eoin Daly and Brophy kept the defenders guessing, as they cut in from their wings with ease.  At the back, player-of-the-match Pollard commanded his 18-yard area, making it look easy.  Captain Cian O’Neill and partner Jordan Wall were the heart of the defensive effort, superbly aided by Jim Brennan and Devin Enright.  Conor Brennan, Luke McCarthy and Joe Barry played their part from the bench in seeing the game out as the Crusaders emerged with all three points.  Special mention must go to the supporters and unused substitutes who, despite a raucous atmosphere in the main stand, played their part in bringing the team over the line.