Crusaders FC were handed a heavy 4-0 defeat by Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue on Saturday, a result that raises serious questions ahead of a key home match against Larne. The loss leaves Stephen Baxter's side fourth in the Premiership on 15 points, now seven points behind the league leaders.
Adam Lecky gave the hosts a dream start with a goal in the fifth minute, converting from a Paul Heatley corner. Jordan Forsythe doubled the advantage ten minutes after the break, before further strikes from Danny Gibson and Daire O'Connor sealed a commanding win for Carrick, ending their own five-game winless run.
Defensive lapses
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell pointed directly to his team's inability to deal with crosses as the core issue. "We weren't ruthless in their box," Caddell said, "four cross balls into the box and four goals." His counterpart, Stephen Baxter, praised his team's display, saying, "I thought we were very professional and it was a real grown-up performance from us today."
The defeat is Crusaders' third in their last five league matches, a run of form that includes a 2-1 win over Bangor but also losses to Linfield and Limavady United. They have conceded 14 goals in nine games this season. The team must now regroup quickly for a significant test at Seaview this weekend, where they host third-placed Larne.
