Crusaders are looking good says Colin Coates before Glentoran clash

Stephen Baxter’s men were well off the pace but two league wins over Cliftonville and Institute has put them in third place in the league table behind Glenavon and Linfield and Coates believes the 3-2 victory over the Reds have given them the lift they needed.

“Yes the Cliftonville helped us and you could see from the middle of the second half against Institute we were getting things together.

“But to win the north Belfast derby was huge and to score a last minute winner gives the team a lift.

“But performance wise we were much more like ourselves and we were a bit more solid.

“Yes we conceded two goals from penalties which was unfortunate but apart from that Cliftonville didn’t really have chances and hopefully we can a bit of confidence from that and push forward and get a good result against Glentoran,” said Coates.

The defender says they are in abetter frame of mind after winning three games on the bounce..

“We have won two league games and a cup game on the bounce and winning becomes a habit. Look at Coleraine they went on along unbeaten run and it does become a habit.

“We have been on one of those runs and Glenavon are on one at the minute. They have the habit at the minute of going out and winning matches,

“We want to get that back and winning our last three helps, so now we have to put a run together and go ten games unbeaten.

“That is what we want to do but our aim is on the next game against Glentoran.”

The Glens under manager Ronnie McFall and his team of Gary Smyth and Paul Leeman have got their season off to a good start as they sit fourth in the league table and Coates is wary of the threat they will bring to Seaview tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s another tough game but in this league they are all tough. But the Glens have started probably had a better start than most would have expected.

“it’s going to be tough because they will be looking to bounce back after the defeat to Linfield and there was very little between the two of them that night.

“But we want to get a run going and the win against the Reds has given us a lift and both sides at Seaview on Saturday will be looking to win the game.”

And Glentoran defender says the trio of McFall, Smyth and Leeman are having a positive effect at the Oval.

“Ronnie leads everything, he’s the main voice in the changing room but everyone is allowed to have their say and it’s good to have Gary Smyth and Paul Leeman there to offer advice. We want to keep more clean sheets too.

“When results are going well it gives you more confidence. The Crues will be a tough game.”