Crusaders 'didn't do enough' against Blues - Caddell

Crusaders manager Declan Caddell says his side "didn't create as many opportunities as needed" during their 1-0 loss against Linfield at Seaview.

It was a poor start to the game for the Crues, who conceded in the opening 10 minutes when Matthew Fitzpatrick fired home.

Linfield then pushed for a more comfortable lead with Alex Gorrin's spot-kick denied by Musa Dibaga and Crusaders unable to find a leveller in the second half.

"I don't think we were ourselves at all today, but you can't give Linfield a foothold in the game eight minutes in," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

"Another poor goal on our behalf and listen, the conditions were tough for both teams with a strong wind down the pitch.

"Ultimately, we didn't do enough. The quality wasn't there today. I can't fault the work rate and ethic, but we didn't look ourselves on the ball and didn't create as many opportunities as needed and as I would like."

It has been a challenging week for the north Belfast side with club captain Jarlath O'Rourke and Ross Clarke signing for Glentoran.

Results elsewhere mean that Crusaders now drop to 11th in the Irish Premiership table with Caddell adding that this season has been "a rollercoaster" so far.

"At the start of the year with the six-eight senior players that are available to you, you try to build the starting XI around that," Caddell continued.

"We have a lot of injuries and just lost two, we lack a bit of experience. However, with those [O'Rourke and Clarke] going, it gives me the ability to bring one or two in, which we need.

"We are a young side and that is probably why this season hasn't been what we expected, it has been a rollercoaster."