Headline: Crusaders’ Manager Praises New Signing Owen Wardell After Victory Over Ballymena United
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell lauded new addition Owen Wardell for his “outstanding” performance in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Ballymena United at Seaview.
Wardell, who recently joined the Crues from the BE1 National Football Academy in Lithuania, quickly made his presence felt on the pitch. His decisive contribution came as he scored the winning goal, guiding Crusaders to their first points of the 2026-27 season.
“I thought he was outstanding, man of the match and well deserved,” Caddell remarked to BBC Sport NI following the match. “Our front three were excellent but Owen has stood out. He has no fear, is a bag of tricks and he can go right and left.”
Caddell noted that the opening goal resulted from a cross by Wardell, who tested the Ballymena defense with approximately 20 crosses throughout the match. “I am delighted for him,” he added.
Last season, the Crues found themselves in a precarious relegation battle, narrowly saving their Premiership status with a victory over Annagh United in the promotion/relegation play-off.
Caddell emphasized the team’s objective to transform Seaview into a “fortress” this season, expressing a commitment to enhancing home results. “Results last year were not nearly good enough,” he stated. “We talked a lot in preseason and before the game about making Seaview a fortress again and not giving up.”
He concluded, “It is nice, especially for the home fans after the disappointment of last year to get the three points on the board.”
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell said that new signing Owen Wardell was “outstanding” during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Ballymena United at Seaview.
The winger joined the Crues from BE1 National Football Academy in Lithuania and has made an instant impact.
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Wardell netted the winning goal against the Sky Blues to complete Crusaders’ comeback and secure their first points of the 2026-27 season.
“I thought he was outstanding, man of the match and well deserved,” Caddell told BBC Sport NI after the Ballymena victory.
“Our front three were excellent but Owen has stood out. He has no fear, is a bag of tricks and he can go right and left.
“The first goal came from his cross and I think he put 20 of them in against Ballymena and tested them. I am delighted for him.”
The Crues were involved in a tense relegation battle last year and only secured their Premiership status after beating Annagh United in the promotion/relegation play-off.
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Caddell said the side must aim to make their home ground, Seaview, “a fortress” as they aim for a much more comfortable season.
“Results last year were no near enough good enough,” Caddell continued.
“We talked a lot in preseason and before the game about making Seaview a fortress again and not giving up.
“It is nice, especially for the home fans after the disappointment of last year to get the three points on the board.”
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