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Crusaders Match Preview
Uploaded Thursday, 10th Aug, 2023 at 13:20
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BALLYMENA United host Crusaders in the first home game of the new season on Friday evening in the Sports Direct Premiership.
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The last meeting between the sides was in the final of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup last season, United losing to the Crues in the second final running, this time by 4 goals to 0.
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Latest results v Crusaders (all league unless stated):
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Ballymena United 0-4 Crusaders, National Stadium, 7th May 2023. (Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup Final)
Ballymena United 0-0 Crusaders, Ballymena Showgrounds, 25th February 2023. Att: 1051
Crusaders 0-1 Ballymena United, Seaview, 14th November 2022. Att: 1041
Crusaders 3-0 Ballymena United, Seaview, 23rd September 2022. Att: 1368
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Crusaders:
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With 19 wins, 10 draws and 9 defeats in the league last season, Crusaders finished 5th and qualified for European football thanks to their Irish Cup win. They beat FC Haka 3-2 on aggregate in the 1st qualifying round of the Europa Conference League before losing 5-4 on aggregate with Rosenborg after extra-time in the 2nd leg. This is their first league game of the new season.
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Ballymena United:
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With 11 wins, 6 draws and 21 league defeats last season, United finished 9th in the league, a huge 13 points behind Glenavon, who topped the bottom 6.
The final of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup and poor league form led to manager David Jeffrey parting ways with the club just 3 days later, and he was replaced by Jim Ervin at the end of May.
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Match Tickets:
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Ballymena United supporters can click this link and you'll be directed to the tickets page.
Crusaders supporters can click this link and you'll be directed to the tickets page.
Tickets cost £13 for adults and £9 for concessions. Children under 12 years old cost £3.
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Match Officials:
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Referee: Tim Marshall. Assistant 1: Andrew Nethery. Assistant 2: Adam Jeffrey. 4th Official: Andrew Davey.
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Match Information:
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The match kicks off at 7:45pm.
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Can the Sky Blues get their first league point or more in front of a home crowd? 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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