Jonny Fairbairn headed home a Joseph McNeill free-kick in the 30th minute of play for the game's only goal. The Carey defense was brilliant allowing just two shots for the game both of which were saved by keeper Carl Goody. In a cagey opening understandable of two teams playing their opening season game chances were few. However, Carey got on top with Joe McNiell and Rob Rogers controlling the midfield and Orane Swaby and Carl Reynolds dominating on the wings. Ryan Weir who got the start alongside Reece Wilson up front worked tirelessly on offense. Eventually the Crusaders broke through from McNiells ball into the box and Fairbairn headed home what proved to be the game winner.

In the second period the home team should have added more but wasted chances and had to rely on their solid defense to restrict the visitors to fleeting moments of offense. There were good performances all around for the Crusaders but coach Nigel Boulton picked out his captain McNiell for special praise, "Joe was at the heart of everything tonight. If you play alongside him you know you are going into battle with a great warrior". Boulton also had good words for his entire starting line-up. "Every player was a returner from spring practice and they showed how their hard work can pay off..I was pleased for (Carl) Goody and Jake White who have stepped up into the team and especially for Ryan Weir. Jo Forstpointer had a fine debut and Orane (Swaby) looked comfortable in his role"..

WCU is back in action next Friday as they travel to Houston, Texas to take on St.Thomas University and then the University of Texas at Brownsville.on Sunday.