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Crusaders Match Preview
Uploaded Friday, 26th Nov, 2021 at 18:21
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BALLYMENA United host Crusaders in the Danske Bank Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
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The last time the sides met was in the 3rd round of the BetMcLean League Cup, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and, as it looked to going to be decided on penalties, Jonte Smith directed a header into the net from a Dan Bramall cross to grab a place in the quarter-finals.
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Recent Results v Crusaders (all league unless stated):
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Crusaders 1-1 (2-3 aet) Ballymena United, Seaview, 13th October 2021. Att: N/A
Ballymena United 0-1 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 9th October 2021. Att: 1282
Ballymena United 0-1 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 2nd April 2021. Att: Behind Closed Doors
Crusaders 2-1 Ballymena United, Seaview, 20th February 2021. Att: Behind Closed Doors
Ballymena United 1-4 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 7th November 2020. Att: 600
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Crusaders:
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Since the BetMcLean league cup game between the two, Crusaders have went on to beat Warrenpoint Town, Linfield and Dungannon Swifts and lose against Larne and Glentoran in the league. Currently in 6th place in the league with 25 points, the Crues are 3 points behind second placed Coleraine with a game in hand.
They were also knocked out of the Toals Co Antrim Shield by Ballyclare Comrades who beat them 6-5 after a penalty shoot out.
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Ballymena United:
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Meanwhile United have beat Portadown, Cliftonville and Glenavon and lost to Larne, Glentoran and Carrick Rangers in the league, leaving them in 9th spot level on points with Glenavon and 5 behind Carrick Rangers with a game to play.
Larne knocked Ballymena United out of the Toals Co Antrim Shield, but a fine win over Linfield secured a place in the semi-finals of the BetMcLean League Cup.
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Match Tickets:
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Ballymena United fans can buy their tickets online now by clicking here.
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Match Officials:
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Referee: Raymond Crangle. Assistant 1: Stephen Bell. Assistant 2: Bogdan Sfirloaga. 4th Official: Diarmuid Harrigan.
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Match Information:
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The match kicks off at 3:00pm.
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The last time Crusaders visited the Showgrounds, they left with 3 points, but it was only a few days later that United knocked them out of the BetMcLean League Cup at Seaview, so who knows what could happen on Saturday? Make your way to the Showgrounds and be loud and proud in support of YOUR team - Come On Sky Blues!
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Match Preview by Paul Irwin
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