Crusaders 'won't dwell' on Coleraine defeat ahead of Limavady test, says Declan Caddell
After seeing their three match winning streak in the BOYLE Sports Premiership come to an end at the Coleraine Showgrounds last weekend - Declan Caddell has challenged his Crusaders squad to quickly return to winning ways against Limavady United on Saturday afternoon.
The men from the Shore Road came undone on the north coast last Saturday as a poor start saw them 3-0 down inside the opening eight minutes against a ruthless Coleraine side.
Despite Senan Devine adding a fourth for the Bannsiders just seven minutes into the second half, the Crues did have some joy when 15-year-old Michael Mulholland netted on his debut as the game finished 4-1 in Coleraine’s favour.
Caddell, who openly predicted that his side won't be the only team to lose at title contenders Coleraine this season, was quick to put the defeat behind him as attention now turns to the visit of the Roesiders on Saturday afternoon.
The return to the top-flight has been a difficult one for Limavady so far as they remain pointless from their opening four fixtures.
"We just have to look after ourselves – it's simple as that,” Caddell replied when he was asked if he’s wary playing against teams who have yet to pick up any points.
“We've had some really good performances from the start of the season until now.
"Last Saturday wasn't one of them, but as I said, we'll not dwell on that as coming away to Coleraine and getting beat won’t make or break our season.
“At the end of the day, it's only three points, and we’ll move on.”
The Crusaders faithful got right behind their team at The Showgrounds – despite the scoreline – and Caddell remarked how important their backing is going to be between now and the end of the season.
"The fans were absolutely outstanding last season, absolutely outstanding from start to finish,” he stated.
“To be standing and giving the boys a round of applause come the end of the game after losing 4-1, it would be remiss of me not to mention it, because I thought each to a man, the noise they made from the first whistle to the end was outstanding.
“We need that every single week and they have done that from the start of the season...hopefully those boys will also get a bounce off it.”