AIC Preview: Crusaders vs City

It was a long trip north for Cork City ahead of the Avenir Sports All Island Cup game against Crusaders at Seaview Stadium, today Saturday July 1st at 6pm. Danny Murphy brings his side to Belfast knowing that a semi-final place in the competition is in his side’s hands as they top the group with two wins from two games against DLR Waves and Treaty United. “We we’re really happy with the performance last week at Treaty.” said Murphy “We did all the things we knew we could do as a team. We passed the ball well; we kept our shape, and we were organised with what we’ve done with our structure”. “Even when Treaty got on top a little bit, we were defensively well organised and able to stop Treaty’s transitions to attack. To get back-to-back wins is something we haven’t done since 2020 so it was great to do that.” It’s a different challenge this weekend, Crusaders have won two of their last three games. They defeated Cliftonville 3-1 on Wednesday of this week and defeated Derry City 4-0 the previous Wednesday in the quarter final of the Premiership League Cup. They’re yet to draw a league game this season as they currently sit fifth in the table having won five games and suffered four defeats.in the All-Island cup, they sit on three points thanks to a victory over Treaty, with DLR Waves just edging them out last weekend. Finding the net is not a problem for Crusaders as they have scored 22 league goals in nine games. Faith Johnston is a player to watch on the Crusaders team as she is their top scorer with six goals this season. The 21-year-old striker is one of twelve different scorers for the Belfast outfit this season. Having watched Crusaders in action, Murphy is conscious his side will have to adapt. “Crusaders are a strong team and they’re aggressive in how they play. They’re a different opposition what we usually play stylistically. It’ll be a tough game, it’s a long old trip but we’re preparing the right way with an overnight stay.” “We’re going to try and get the best possible result, hopefully win the game and get to the next stage of the competition”. Robert Augnier