LEAGUE CUP: Crusaders boss Baxter left to reflect ahead of Coleraine visit

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter suffered a frustrating weekend at a Seaview venue set to host league leaders Coleraine tonight in the cup. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter suffered a frustrating weekend at a Seaview venue set to host league leaders Coleraine tonight in the cup. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter suffered a frustrating weekend at a Seaview venue set to host league leaders Coleraine tonight in the cup. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Stephen Baxter's Crusaders squads have managed a march to sustained success built on the foundation of the fundamentals.

Consistency developed around the broad twin pillars of a collective work ethic and individual talent established the club as a modern Irish League force.

Crusaders boss Baxter maintains his faith in the Seaview squad but admits a desire to return to those building blocks following some unfamiliar and unwelcome traits across the opening stages of the season.

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A 3-2 home reverse to Glenavon last weekend featured a string of errors by a Crusaders side short of cohesion, with Baxter using the time period between that defeat and tonight’s League Cup visit by high-flying Coleraine as an opportunity to evaluate and analyse.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

“You cannot wallow in self-pity, it is a big boys’ league and we have another game now,” said Baxter. “It’s a little bit about consistency and a little bit about desire.

“We think about everything, ask for more and drive them on for more, having been competing at a superb level for four years.

“But we have no divine right to win games, there are a lot of good teams.

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“You are trying to maintain levels but have to always earn the right to play.

Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

“I know the quality and work ethic here and I’ve so much belief in this group it is untrue.

“Coleraine are playing on the frontfoot, working really hard as a unit and have the momentum.

“We need to be aware of gametime so there will be a few changes.”

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Coleraine’s rise to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership table has injected fresh life into a title race traditionally dominated by the established Belfast squads of Cliftonville, Crusaders and Linfield.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Coleraine manager Oran Kearney. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

Plaudits for the Bannsiders’ dynamic displays have often been delivered with the caveat of concern over an ability to mount a sustained league challenge with a squad short on numbers and trophy-winning experience.

But Coleraine boss Oran Kearney is refusing to risk a disruption to momentum by prioritising games.

“We want to do well in every competition,” said Kearney. “The squad is being tested, we are without Eoin Bradley, Brad Lyons and Josh Carson for Tuesday.

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“It presents the opportunity to players who are kicking their heels and it’s up to them to keep the shirt.”

Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Glenavon first-team coach Kris Lindsay. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

Ards welcome Glenavon for the first of two home games in four days - with Warrenpoint Town then hitting the road in a key battle for league points.

“We have a big game in the League Cup on Tuesday and then a massive game on Friday night,” said Ards boss Colin Nixon. “We should have a full panel but I have plenty to think about.

“It’s a big week for the club, we have two games in five days.

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“However that has happened I have no idea, I just have to prepare the team and the players the best I can and try our best.”

Glenavon gained a significant away-day boost last weekend by beating Crusaders at Seaview in a thrilling league success.

The combination of grace and game management left first-team coach Kris Lindsay delighted at the growing maturity of Glenavon’s young panel.

“We played some really good football, defended really well but also caused them problems,” said Lindsay. “We have bundles of energy, with eight 23 years old or under on Saturday I believe, but we were also sensible in the second half.”

Kick-off will be 7.45 in both ties.

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