Beverland backs Crues to keep up momentum to catch Coleraine

Focused: Howard Beverland is aiming to close the gap HOWARD Beverland accepts Crusaders need to hold onto that winning feeling to stay clinging to the coat-tails of Coleraine.

The centre-back’s old club have come flying out of the traps this season and remain unbeaten as they head to Mourneview Park to take on Ards today.

Stephen Baxter’s side are 11 points behind the Bannsiders, and even though they have played a game less than the leaders, the Crues are anxious not to let that gap become even bigger.

But the positive news for the north Belfast side is that they have some fresh momentum going into the clash at Ards following impressive wins over Coleraine in the League Cup, Linfield and Ballinamallard United in the Premiership and Cliftonville in the County Antrim Shield.

“We have high standards and we dropped short of those in a few games but we have managed to regroup and go again,” said Beverland. “Teams can be hard to break down but we feel we should have won more games, particularly at home.

“We are on a good run at the moment and we need to keep that going. Ards held us at Seaview this season, we needed a late Jordan Owens goal to get the better of them last season and I can remember they were 2-0 ahead after only 15 minutes one time before we fought back.

“There is a gap between ourselves and Coleraine and they have been very consistent, as have Glenavon. We’ve got to try and close that gap if we can, while at the same time not getting carried away with points total.

“We know from last season how dangerous that can be. It’s up to us to keep winning and keep the pressure on the top sides. Things can quickly change and it’s important we don’t fall further behind.”