Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BALLYMENA UNITED v CRUSADERS REWARD SCHEME
Sean planning to profit from Crues’ good form by putting some silverware on the shelf tonight
SEAN WARD hopes to turn a sparkling statistic into silverware in tonight’s Toals County Antrim Shield final with Ballymena United at the Showgrounds.
Crusaders, who lead Coleraine by a point at the top the Premiership, are unbeaten in their last 21 games in all competitions.
Since losing to Glenavon in the tangible this evening.
The midfielder said: “We’re in a very good place, but this final is the first chance for us to see our recent run come to fruition and put silverware on the shelf.
“When you retire you want to reflect on medals you’ve won. It’s not about going on unbeaten runs and having nothing to show for it.
“It’s about winning finals and being successful. Our recent form is good, but we need to start winning trophies and that starts now.”
As well as tonight’s final, the Crues have forthcoming semis in the League Cup and Irn Bru Cup to look forward to.
They also have a high-profile Irish Cup clash with Cliftonville lurking on February 3, meaning they’re currently fighting on five fronts.
Ward said: “I’ve heard people say it could be our downfall that we’re involved in so many competitions, but I completely disagree. As a player, you’d rather be playing games.
“Potentially it could be a phenomenal season – possible the best in Crusaders’ history – but we also know it could be a tragic season because we haven’t won anything yet.
“We are in a position to achieve a hell of a lot this season, but it starts for us now.”
While Ballymena suffered a 1-0 league defeat at Ards on Saturday, David Jeffrey’s men are unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions at the Showgrounds.
Ward said: “We beat Ballymena (2-1) in the league before Christmas, but they were disappointed not to get a result that night, so we know how tough it will be.
“They have been going well, particularly at home, and they are a team littered with so many good players who can hurt you, but it’s a final and we want to win it.”