CO ANTRIM SHIELD FINAL: We have nothing to fear - Baxter
STEPHEN Baxter insists Crusaders will hold no fear when they step out for the first domestic cup final of the season.
The Crues are preparing to lock horns with Belfast rivals Linfield at The Oval, with the Paddy Power County Antrim Shield on offer to the winners.
The last time the two sides reached the Shield decider it ended in bitter disappointed - the Blues were defeated by Cliftonville last year with Baxter's side losing to Glentoran two seasons ago.
Both will be determined to turn Shield agony into ecstasy tonight in east Belfast, and Baxter can't wait.
"It is a great occasion for both clubs, and there is a trophy on offer. So there is a massive incentive," he said.
"Winning a senior medal would be a fantastic achievement for my players, but we face a tough test against Linfield. We can expect a real battle and we will have to work hard if we want to be celebrating on Tuesday night.
"Linfield's quality has been mentioned time and time again and they will always be a force to be reckoned with.
"But if we can play to our ability then we will fear nobody. We have to concentrate on what Crusaders can do and achieve and not the opposition."
Crusaders go into tonight's final on the back of an unenviable eight-match streak without a win.
Ironically their last victory came in the semi-finals of the County Antrim Shield with a 1-0 triumph over Ballymena United.
On Saturday the Hatchetmen suffered a home defeat to Institute in the Carling Premiership, but Baxter insists confidence is high going into tonight's Shield decider.
"Obviously the defeat to Institute was disappointing, but we have to put that behind us," he added.
"I have been pleased with our form over the past few weeks, so I am not getting too despondent.
"The aim is to look ahead and not dwell on the past, and we have a big cup final to get excited about.
"At the end of the day this is a one-off game - a cup final - so let's go out and try and win a game of football and lift a trophy.
"There is no doubting our belief. Last season's Irish Cup success proved our ability to go all the way, so hopefully we can emulate that success.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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