BAXTER DEMANDS A RESPONSE

CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter is demanding a “pick me” performance from his players against Dungannon Swifts. The Shore Road men are looking to get back to winning ways after being held to a 0-0 draw by gutsy Ards last weekend. It was a frustrating setback in the wake of an impressive 2-1 win over champions Linfield just four days before. In a competitive squad laden with options in key areas, he is also calling for individual players to state their case as regular starters. Baxter (left) said: “It’s up to them to perform to a level which says, ‘Pick me for the next game’. That’s how it always should be. “We didn’t do enough to beat Ards and we had a few below par performances in terms of energy, but it’s in the past now and we move on.” Swifts boss Rodney Mcaree is eager to give the Crues another defensive conundrum to solve seven days after that Ards stalemate. He said: “We’ll go to Seaview with a game plan and see how we can make it difficult for them. “We’ll go about it the right way and try and get some sort of result.” Dungannon, who have won five of their last six games in all competitions, climbed into the top six with a 2-1 win over Warrenpoint last weekend. Elsewhere, basement club BALLINAMALLARD UNITED go in search of their first league win of the campaign against Ballymena United at Ferney Park. Gavin Dykes’ men, who suffered a 4-0 loss at Linfield seven days ago, have taken just one point from their opening seven league fixtures. Fourth placed GLENAVON are at home to ARDS who have lost just one of their last five games in all competitions. FIXTURES: Ballinamallard Utd v Ballymena Utd; Carrick Rangers v Cliftonville; Crusaders v Dungannon Swifts; Glenavon v Ards; Glentoran v Coleraine.