Uefa Europa Conference League first qualifying round, second leg
Crusaders (0) v Caernarfon Town (2) (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
CRUSADERS face a tough task on Wednesday evening when they welcome Caernarfon Town to Seaview, as they seek to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in the hope of reaching the second round of the Europa Conference League.
As he was listed as the official manager of the Crues for the European adventure, Stephen Baxter took the driving seat in last week’s 2-0 defeat.
But he could do little to overcome a spirited Welsh outfit, as first-half goals from Morgan Owen and Zack Clarke took down the Hatchetmen.
Baxter will take comfort from a spirited second-half performance that had Caernarfon on the back foot for the closing stages, Philip Lowry having an effort cleared off the line that otherwise would have made tonight’s task a little easier.
There were also bright shoots in the form of new signings Kieran Offord and Jacob Blaney, who battled hard and had some success against a stubborn Town defence.
The Welsh side will also know that playing at Seaview will be a much tougher task than playing in their own surroundings against the north Belfast outfit.
With a packed house and perfect summer conditions expected, this will be a great opportunity for Baxter continue in his role for another few weeks with a statement result for the club.
Last year’s continental adventure saw the Crues pick up a famous 1-0 win against Finnish side Haka at home, as well as claiming a spirited 2-2 draw with Norwegian heavyweights Rosenborg, so all is not lost.
For Caernarfon, this week’s game will be their first crusade onto the continent, after making their European bow last week.
Manager Richard Davies brought in six players in the close season, including stopper Stephen McMullan from Fleetwood Town. He began his career with Warrenpoint Town and would find it sweet to grab victory over an old rival.
For Crusaders, they should remain positive and hopeful of turning this one around. However, they will need to find a goal source. With Paul Heatley now left the club, forward Adam Lecky no longer has his old partner making runs beyond him and that is where the likes of James Teelan and Stewart Nixon may come into the reckoning.
Baxter will be hoping for an early goal and then it would most certainly be game on. Otherwise, it could very well be his last official game as Crusaders boss.