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Crusaders Match Preview
Uploaded Friday, 26th Apr, 2019 at 15:35
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BALLYMENA United host Crusaders at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon in the home sides last game of the season.
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The last meeting between the sides was in the quarter-finals of the Tennent's Irish Cup when the Crues knocked United out at Seaview with a 3-0 win.
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Recent results v Crusaders (all league unless stated):
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Crusaders 3-0 Ballymena United, Seaview, 2nd March 2019. (Tennent's Irish Cup Quarter-Final)
Crusaders 3-2 Ballymena United, Seaview, 1st January 2019. Att: 2054
Crusaders 0-1 Ballymena United, Seaview, 11th December 2018. (BetMcLean League Cup Semi-Final)
Ballymena United 3-0 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 27th October 2018. Att: 1275
Crusaders 2-2 Ballymena United, Seaview, 11th August 2018. Att: 1224
Ballymena United 1-2 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 28th April 2018. Att: 2430
Crusaders 3-1 Ballymena United, Seaview, 24th February 2018. Att: 1147
Ballymena United 2-4 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 23rd January 2018. (Toals Co Antrim Shield Final)
Crusaders 2-1 Ballymena United, Seaview, 22nd December 2017. Att: 1479
Ballymena United 1-4 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 11th August 2017. Att: 1840
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Crusaders:
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Crusaders have two chances to qualify for Europe this season, with the most likely being a win in the Tennent's Irish Cup Final, the other route through the Europa League Play-Offs if they fail to win the cup.
With 3 defeats and a draw in their last 4 league games, they'll want to put in an impressive display before the cup final next weekend, and they still stand a chance of leap-frogging 3rd placed Glenavon who sit 2 points ahead of them and host Cliftonville on Saturday.
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Ballymena United:
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Having secured 2nd spot in the league with their midweek win over Glenavon, and the automatic European qualification that goes with it, United are playing for pride and the possibility of further extending their record number of league wins in a single season from 23 to 24.
No matter what the result tomorrow, there'll be a party atmosphere at the Showgrounds with the end of season awards dinner taking place after the game.
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Match Officials:
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Referee: Tim Marshall. Assistant 1: Adam Jeffrey. Assistant 2: Neil Gillespie. 4th Official: Ross Dunlop.
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Match Information:
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Admission is payable at the gate.
Kick off is 3:00pm.
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The last game of the season can often be a dull affair but after United's achievements this year it'll be more of a party than anything else. 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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