Turbulent Evening At Seaview - Crusaders vs. Coleraine

Big away following for Coleraine on Friday night

I'd long wanted to visit Belfast following numerous recommendations from friends and was also really keen to see Glentoran's Oval ground and when I first looked at the fixtures, they were at home on the Friday night. However, when I checked again closer to the time, their game had been moved to Monday evening. Thankfully, Crusaders were still at home to Coleraine on the Friday so it just meant I had to head to north Belfast instead. Crusaders are reigning league champions but were some distance behind Belfast rivals Linfield this season and were looking to keep the pressure up. Coleraine were in mid table and were heading to the Europa League playoffs.

Main stand at kick off

From the off, Coleraine have most of the chances and as half time approaches, the are wondering how they are not ahead. Just before half time, they are hit with the classic sucker punch when the forward is left alone at the back post where he hammers the ball home. Then in a short space of time in the second half, Crusaders are cruising as the attacker lashes home a shot from distance and places a header past the keeper to put his side three up. Coleraine finally find their shooting boots, scoring from a good move and the penalty spot but Crusaders seal the points with a fourth in the closing stages.  

Crusaders attacking in the second half

I flew to Belfast from London City and while this proved to be a bit more expensive, the convenience of landing so close to Belfast - it's a fifteen minute train ride from near by Sydenham Station into Great Victoria Street - it is worth the money. Then from near by you can catch the number two bus to Seaview. If you catch the bus from the northern edge of the city centre then you can visit the brilliant Sunflower pub which has a great choice of local beers and don't be put off by the old security cage on the front door. There weren't really any other drinking options near the ground so you're best doing that in the city centre. There are two bars at the ground, the main one on the outside had the sports channels and usual drinks while you could get bottles under the stand in The Danny Hale Suite. A really great start to the weekend.

Crusaders looking for an opening in the first half