Matthew Shevlin’s scoring form presents a major challenge for Crusaders FC as they prepare to host league leaders Coleraine at Seaview on Saturday. The 27-year-old striker leads the Irish Premiership goalscoring charts with eight goals this season.
Shevlin has been in prolific form, netting 14 times in his last 16 league outings. He finished last season with a burst of nine goals in six games. “Usually I wouldn't really take notice of the figures that far back but I knew I finished last season with nine goals in six games,” Shevlin said. He made his league debut at 15 for hometown club Ballymena United and believes there is more to come. “It's hard to say I'm in my prime as I constantly feel I can get better,” he added, crediting his teammates and coaches for his development.
Coleraine's title push
Shevlin’s form is central to Coleraine’s push for the title. They currently top the Boyle Sports Premiership table, holding a two-point advantage over Linfield, who won 2-1 at Larne on Tuesday. A victory at Seaview would strengthen their position at the summit. Manager Oran Kearney has built a side known for its defensive resilience and attacking threat, with Shevlin as the focal point.
For Crusaders, the task is to halt a concerning slide. Stephen Baxter’s side sit seventh in the standings with 15 points from 12 games, a full 16 points behind their weekend visitors. Their recent form reads one win in five, with four consecutive losses including a 5-2 defeat at Warrenpoint Town last time out. The last meeting between these sides saw Coleraine run out 4-1 winners in early September. Baxter acknowledged the need for improvement, stating his team must cut out individual errors and show greater fight to turn their season around.
A tough home test
Shevlin anticipates a difficult match. “The game against Crusaders will be tough as they have been good this season,” he noted, expecting a really tough game away from home. Crusaders will need to rediscover their defensive solidity, having conceded 23 goals this term, while hoping forwards like David Rocks, who scored in the last two games, can find a response. The Seaview pitch, often tight and demanding, could play to Crusaders' advantage if they can press high and disrupt Coleraine's rhythm.
The fixture is a key one in Crusaders' fixtures schedule as they aim to climb the table. They host Coleraine FC at Seaview on Saturday, 24 October. A positive result for the hosts would provide a key morale boost, while Coleraine seeks to maintain their momentum at the top.
First reported at Derry Journal
