Soccer

Winners of north Belfast derby against Cliftonville will be right in Irish League title race says Crusaders' Philip Lowry

Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry tangles with Colin Coates of Cliftonville during the sides' St Stephen's Day meeting. Picture by Pacemaker
Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry tangles with Colin Coates of Cliftonville during the sides' St Stephen's Day meeting. Picture by Pacemaker Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry tangles with Colin Coates of Cliftonville during the sides' St Stephen's Day meeting. Picture by Pacemaker

Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry believes the winner of tonight’s north Belfast derby against Cliftonville at Seaview (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports Football) will not only bag the bragging rights for fans, but will also find themselves right back in the title race.

“Look, Larne are undoubtedly the team to beat, but it’s all about momentum at this time of the year” he said.

“If we can get the three points on Monday night, we have two tough but very winnable games before the split and after that all bets are off when the top six play each other.”

Crusaders will have the added benefit of home advantage for tonight’s game against their neighbours with Seaview becoming a fortress of late. Only Ballymena have managed to leave with all three points this season. 

They also will gain confidence from the fact they are unbeaten in four games against Cliftonville, including their last meeting on St Stephen’s Day which ended 3-0 in favour Stephen Baxter’s side.

Lowry (33), however, isnt taking anything for granted: “Cliftonville will expect a reaction from Boxing Day and they are very dangerous going forward with the likes of Ronan Hale. We have seen a more direct approach from them this year to get the ball to their dangermen up front which has paid dividends.”

How does the Limavady man expect Crusaders to repel these threats?

“I think we will be concentrating on our own game as ever, winning the individual battles and imposing ourselves, we are confident in our system,” he said.

It’s a system Lowry knows well this year. The club’s top scorer has played every minute of the league season so far, bar one game missed due to suspension. 

“We had some periods before Christmas where we had so many injuries we struggled to fill the bench, but now we are in a much better position and there is a good fight for places at the club, I’m just hoping to be involved to do my bit for the team” he said.

Crues boss Baxter has a relatively healthy squad to pick from with the exception of Jarlath O’Rourke who remains out, while Jude Winchester is a doubt after suffering a back spasm in the cup victory over Glentoran last week. The resurgent Rory McKeown has filled the void impressively for the missing O’Rourke.

Cliftonville will still be reeling from their shock 2-1 defeat in the Irish Cup to Dungannon Swifts last week and will be hoping for a response. 

Aaron Traynor remains a doubt in defence with injury. Paddy McLauglin’s charges go into the game knowing they hold a five-point lead over their rivals in the table and victory would impose a high degree of damage on Crusader’s title ambitions.

Lowry believes it will take little extra motivation for the players and fans to get ready for the clash.

“I’ve played in Linfield v Glentoran derbies, but this one will have that extra spice with both sides challenging for the title,” he said.

“Seaview will be a sell-out. Cliftonville will be bringing their ‘A’ game no doubt and I can’t wait for kick-off time.”