Baxter hopes break won’t hurt Crues’ momentum
CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter is hoping his team can pick up where they left off when they face Warrenpoint Town at Seaview today.
Prior to the festive break, the Shore Road team were back to their swashbuckling best, reflected in impressive wins against Portadown and Glentoran.
But their momentum was interrupted as four players in the camp were struck down by Covid-19 symptoms, which meant their proposed Friday night fixture against Carrick Rangers was postponed before the festive programme was cancelled.
With Barry Gray’s resurgent Warrenpoint due to leave a calling card today, Baxter wants his troops to make up for lost time.
“We only had two games in the month, which was a bit alien to all of us,” said Baxter. “It probably didn’t harm us, but by the same token we had a little bit of momentum behind us following two significant victories against Glentoran and Portadown.
“I would like to have had the chance to build on those performances, so we were disappointed when we had to pull out of the Carrick Rangers game on the Thursday — the fixture was scheduled for the following day.
“But, given the problems that Covid-19 throws at clubs, you just have to play the hand you are dealt. You just don’t know what you are going to face weekto-week, so you just have to roll with it and deal with it.”
Baxter admits Warrenpoint will arrive in north Belfast oozing with confidence following some impressive results in the opening phase of the league campaign.
“Barry (Gray) overhauled the club over the summer months,” he added. “He has made a number of significant signings and brought in good players from down south.
“That’s good business because Barry knew what he needed for this league. I haven’t at all been surprised by how well they have done thus far. They have beaten some top teams along the way. We got away with a 1-0 win down at their place on the opening day of the season, but I knew it would be a tough game.
“I expect very much the same when they come to Seaview — they are an excellent side. They are well organised and Barry has Gavin Dykes in with him.
“He’s an astute technical coach as well.”