Category: News

4th Division – Match Report

With high pressure in the south-east promised by Met Eireann for Friday, Manager Moran cancelled training in the run up to Friday night’s trip to Newtown for fear that many older ankles wouldn’t hold up to the scrutinous hard surface at the Orchard. As it turned out, the bigger challenge to his players’ ability to deliver came down to the toss of a coin and the blinding sun which caused League of Ireland poster boy Paul Lawrence to wear his favourite team’s cap in an effort to see the game (#YNWA Lawro).

Rangers sought to capitalise on the sun’s debilitating impact on the Crusaders backline straight from kick off and to good effect, with only their wayward shooting and the Crusaders’ keeper’s cat-like reflexes keeping the score to 1-0 in the first quarter. Speaking afterwards, Lawro exclaimed “I was like Grobelaar out there this evening wasn’t I, awwww, Brucie Brucie Brucie, bang bang bang!”.

However, in a move from the training grounds (8pm Tuesdays, “no pressure, very enjoyable”) Titley’s throw-in on 22 minutes was met by Egan’s forehead and onto Hunt’s trusty right peg to whip the ball across the box for David Power to conjure a majestic finish, lobbing the Rangers keeper, rippling the net and pirouetting with satisfaction. Power has shown huge promise in this, his rookie year at this level, having moved up from last year’s youth setup, bringing an innocence and an enthusiasm which has infected the entire squad.

The second half was a test of fortitude and resilience, and with Elon Musk switching the sun off at half time, was played on a more even setting. Titley and Hanrahan were rock solid at the back, Barney and Rockett gave as good as they got in the middle, Egan and debutant Hunt ran and harried the Rangers defence all game, and the Power brothers (Trevor, Walter and David) were inspirational with their efforts. Having lost centre half Pat Heffernan earlier in the game after he and the Rangers striker had a fit of the giggles, Crusaders were thankful of a large bench as Brian Scott, Deano Dean, Mark Kennedy and Frank Frampton (who got lost en route to Tramore, having last travelled south by train) were able to keep the legs fresh and the momentum forward.

On this occasion however, a rearguard action in the final quarter eventually succumbed to a second Rangers goal, which slipped past Lawrence and his favourite Dudek gloves. A 2-1 defeat by the sea, but one which inspires hope in a squad brimming with talent.

Injuries and niggles haven’t been kind to Crusaders so far this season. Indeed, only before the game the squad were informed that Paul “Duckie” McDonnell isn’t expected to recover from his latest knock for 10-12 years. But with the enigmatic Peter O’Byrne expected to return for next Wednesday’s home fixture, with Paul O’Neill expected to return from Vegas as soon as his bank manager gets in touch, with Noel Slattery due back from a residency in Madison Square Garden in the coming weeks and new signings and former Crusaders Paul and Niall Kelly due to agree on a boot contract with Aldi by Monday, the future looks bright for this team.

So bright in fact, Lawrence says he’ll need his Jamie Redknapp Ray-Bans for Wednesday.

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.