Sports Direct Premiership Crusaders v Glentoran (tonight, 7.45pm, live on BBC iPlayer & website)
CRUSADERS’ in-form striker Kieran Offord admits he didn’t know the depth of rivalry between Glentoran and Linfield before he arrived in the Irish League this season.
But the 20-year-old Scot knows all about it now and believes the Glens will travel to Seaview tonight brimming with confidence.
With last weekend’s games wiped out by Storm Darragh, Glentoran’s last outing was a 1-0 win over Linfield in the Bet McLean Cup 10 days ago.
The win at Windsor Park was Glentoran’s third victory over their bitter rivals this season and Offord says the rivalry between the two sets of supporters was plain to see.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent aware of how big it was but I saw the celebrations after the games and it really shows you that obviously that is a massive game,” said the prolific hitman.
“I didn’t know that beforehand but I’ve learned that now so Glentoran are going to be full of confidence going into the game – as are we.
“That’s a starter for the game – be confident.
“It might be a wee bit hectic at the start, you need to win your fight and then hopefully get the ball down and start trying to play.
“Then, when Glentoran get the ball – because I don’t think they’ll sit off and let us have the ball – we need to be in their faces and make it hard for them.”
Offord was one of Declan Caddell’s first signings in the summer, coming in on loan from SPL club St Mirren, managed by former Northern Ireland player and coach Stephen Robinson.
He has proved to be a roaring success, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
“I’ve not had any updates to be honest,” he said.
“They’ve got a loan manager who talks to me after games and will go through my clips.
“It’s good to know they are keeping me in the loop and in their thoughts.
“Anyone I have spoken to I’ve said how much I’m enjoying my loan spell and how much it’s making me a better player.
“Obviously I’m scoring goals, getting confidence, getting games in a good league and I’ve really enjoyed it – that’s what I’ve said.
“If I was to get a full season under my belt, doing what I’ve been doing, it would do me no harm.
“It would make me a better player in the long run as well,” added Offord.
Glentoran will be without suspended duo James Singleton and Frankie Hvid but skipper Marcus Kane believes the omens are good for the Glens.
“The win against Linfield gave us a real boost and now it’s about building on that momentum, finding consistency in our league form, and putting more points on the board,” said Kane.
“Friday night games always have something special about them, and the fact it’s Friday the 13th, under the lights, against strong opposition, adds an extra edge to the occasion,” he added.
“We’re eager to get back out there and deliver a performance,” he said.
Both sides are desperate for a win to get into the title frame.