Danske Bank Premiership: Crusaders 2 Dungannon Swifts 0
CRUSADERA are back to winning ways and can take another giant step towards retaining their title against Ballinamallard tomorrow.
A superb Paul Heatley brace saw off the challenge of Dungannon Swifts on Saturday, restoring Crusaders’ five-point lead at the top following their shock midweek loss to Carrick Rangers.
Crusaders struggled to made headway against the Swifts until Heatley broke the deadlock on 70 minutes, and his second goal five minutes later was a piece of individual magic, finding the top-corner from 20 yards and putting the tin hat on a hard-fought encounter.
His team-mate David Magowan was handed a starting spot in place of the suspended Josh Robinson in the heart of the rarely-troubled Crusaders defence, and he watched on in admiration as Heatley brought his tally for the season to 20 league goals.
Magowan said: “I think they didn’t trouble us too much at the back. We had all the possession in midfield and had enough chances, but every time we play Dungannon they always give us a tough game. We were knocking on the door and thankfully Paul came up with the goods – his second goal especially, it was a wonder-strike.”
The 32-year-old admits Crusader’s “attitude” wasn’t up to scratch in that shock 4-3 loss to Carrick Rangers – an all the more remarkable result considering Stephen Baxter’s side had consigned the same opposition to a 4-0 defeat only three days earlier in their previous league outing.
“It’s always hard when you play teams twice in such a short space of time, and you could tell they were really fired up for the game. They’re fighting relegation and any points are really important. I think they might have had a better attitude on the day.”
Magowan admits he would “love” to maintain his place for their clash against Ballinamallard tomorrow, and with Linfield only five points behind, it’s another must-win clash for the defending champions.
“Any time we play against Ballinamallard, they always give us a tough game as well, especially down there and everyone’s out to beat you.
“I’d love to [start]. Unfortunately I don’t make the decisions, but over the last month Josh has been playing brilliantly, if he’s back in he’s back in but it’s all about the points at the end of the day. Obviously you’d love to be playing but three points is more important.”
If Crusaders overcome Ballinamallard, they can all but clinch the title with a win against Linfield on April 9. Doing so would open up an eight-point gap (at the very minimum) at the top with only four games remaining, but Magowan cautions against that line of thinking.
“Nothing’s certain in football, we’ll keep plugging away and trying to win every game and see where we come at the end of the season. Until it’s in the bag nothing’s guaranteed so we need to keep chalking up the wins and see where we finish up – and hopefully it’ll be at the top.”
