After an encouraging display in a 2-0 win against Coleraine seven days ago, the ‘Gers struggled to get going on Saturday and fell to a 4-0 loss to Cliftonville.
As was the case after the opening day fixture against Newry City, Stuart King will again be looking for a response from his players when they face Crusaders this evening.
The Shore Road side, whose weekend game against Glentoran was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at The Oval, have won both of their opening two fixtures against Ballymena United and Dungannon Swifts.
Stephen Baxter moved early in the summer window to add reinforcements to his squad, notably recruiting Linfield defender Jimmy Callacher while Lloyd Anderson also left the ‘Gers for a return to his old club.
Combining their transfer business with their impressive displays in European competition, the Crues look set for a successful season.
A decisive goal in the second leg from Paul Heatley saw them past Finnish outfit FC Haka in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League before they were narrowly put out of the tournament in the next round by Rosenberg who they took to extra time.
King will know the difficult task ahead in terms of playing away to another of the division’s top teams and will hope to have midfielder Andy Mitchell available for selection following a calf injury that saw him go off in Rangers’ last outing.
The two sides last met at Seaview on the 25th of March when Crusaders ran out winners thanks to goals from Ross Clarke, Jordan Owens and Declan Caddell.
Admission
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE.
‘Gers fans should purchase their tickets for the South Stand which is marked for away supporters only.
H2H Form (Last 5)
25/03/23 (A) // L 3-0 //
02/01/23 (H) // L 3-0 //
01/10/22 (H) // W 4-3 // Allen (x2), Cushley, McGuckin
19/02/22 (A) // L 2-1 // Weir (o.g.)
01/01/22 (A) // D 0-0 //
Officials
Referee: Ben McMaster
Assistant Referee: Andrew Nethery
Assistant Referee: Shane Geary
4th Official: Jamie Robinson
