Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CRUESING BRUISING
Lowry expecting battle royale despite Bannmen’s form slump
CRUSADERS midfielder Philip Lowry is bracing himself for a “blood and thunder” clash between last season’s top two at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
While the Crues, who pipped the Bannsiders to the league title in April, are finding form, Rodney Mcaree’s men have been struggling for momentum.
Since beating the champions 3-0 at Seaview 48 days ago, Coleraine have gone five league games without a win, taking just four points in the process.
Not that Lowry, whose brother Stephen plays at the heart of the Bann midfield after moving to the North West club in May, has been lured into a false sense of security.
“It won’t be easy up there – it never is,” he warned. “We probably owe them one after their win at Seaview. We were very poor that night and they beat us easily.
“But it always seems to be a ding dong battle with Coleraine and last year there was nothing in the games. I suspect this to be another blood and thunder affair.”
While a recent change in manager, following Oran Kearney’s decision to take over the reins at St Mirren, has impacted at Coleraine, Crusaders are finding form after a shaky start to the season.
Three wins on the bounce against Institute (4-1), Cliftonville (3-2) and Glentoran (3-0) have boosted confidence and eased Baxter’s boys up to third in the table.
“This league is all about momentum and winning is a good habit to have in football and we’re looking to keep that going,” said Lowry.
“Earlier in the season, we were creating so many chances and not taking them. When that happens, it comes back to bite you.
“We were 2-1 up at Glenavon and should have managed the game better, but before you know it, you’re 3-2 down.
“We went from three points to zero.
“We also lost to Linfield, but that’s in the past now. We’re playing a lot better now and looking more like ourselves.”
Lowry hopes last week’s commanding 3-0 win over the Glens at Seaview, despite losing Sean Ward to a red card, is a sign of things to come.
“It was probably the first game this season where we looked like the Crusaders of old and it’s something we’ve been threatening to do for a few weeks,” he said.
“Glentoran had been doing well, but I don’t think we gave them much of a chance. We’re getting back to the Crusaders we know – big, strong and running over the top of teams.”
Lowry has fond memories of scoring in a 2-1 win at Ballymena on the final day of last season, a result that saw Baxter’s men finish the campaign two points above Coleraine.
The 29-year-old, who also won three doubles at Linfield, said: “It was pure relief.
“We were struggling at Ballymena and not playing well, but it ended up a very sweet day.”