Crusaders Football Club

22/10/2026

Returning to league action this week 💪

*NEXT UP*

Back to league action as we host Leamington Ladies. Leamington did the double over us last season and we will be striving to do better this time around in what is a huge game.

Kick off is at 2pm with all support welcomed and
appreciated! 🟩🟨

18/10/2026

Another solid performance for the Women sees them advance to the next round of the County Cup 👏

*FA WOMENS VASE ROUND TWO MATCH REPORT*

CRUSADERS WOMEN 6 TAMWORTH WOMEN 1
⚽️Dani Selmes 12 H-T 3-1 ⚽️Kiera Davies 13
⚽️Dionne Williams 14
⚽️Danielle Keegan 42
⚽️Dani Selmes 50
⚽️Sarah Blanks 61
⚽️Dani Selmes 88

An astonishing FOURTH successive hat trick from super striker Dani Selmes led the way as Cru eventually ran out convincing winners to progress to the third round, over a spirited battling Tamworth side who play in the tier below.

The opening minutes were very even as the visitors came out of the blocks full on in a testing start. The game exploded on 12 minutes with 3 goals in as many minutes! Cru drew first blood when Molly Bott’s free kick wasn’t dealt with by the away defence and DANI SELMES was the ‘fox in the box’ who took full advantage to slot the ball home. Cru switched off from the resulting kick off however and conceded an immediate equaliser when KIERA DAVIES finished neatly. Cru responded immediately to regain the lead when Danielle Keegan’s slide rule pass put Dani into space and her shot agonisingly came back off the post, however DIONNE WILLIAMS was alert and was rewarded for her follow up to force the ball over the line. Cru were now in the ascendancy and Anna Lingham’s fierce shot from distance cannoned back off the cross bar with 33 minutes gone. Three minutes before the break Morgan Betteridge played a ball forward to Dani Selmes who provided a sublime first time pass to DANIELLE KEEGAN who fired a fabulous shot from 25 yards into the top right corner of the net…..top bins!

H-T 3-1

Cru put the outcome beyond doubt just 5 minutes into the 2nd half when Lacey Dixon’s super pass put Dionne Williams into space and she ran on before cutting in expertly and dispatching a pinpoint cross for DANI SELMES to finish clinically. Things got even better for Cru just past the hour when Morgan’s corner kick was again ‘on the money’ and Dani’s goal bound shot was finished off by SARAH BLANKS with the final touch. On 75 minutes Malika Higgins played Dani in and her shot agonisingly came back off the upright. Our super striker was not to be denied a fourth successive hat trick though as with 2 minutes remaining Malika fed Morgan and once again her ball in was tapped home by DANI SELMES to make it 12 goals in 4 matches and a seasons tally of 16 already with the trees still in full leaf-quite an incredible achievement!

PLAYER OF THE MATCH-LACEY DIXON - Cru were allowed a little more time on the ball and Lacey took full advantage and flourished throughout with her best performance of the season! Well done Lacey! 🟩🟨

18/10/2026

💛 U8s 💚

Birmingham Rangers U8 vs Crusaders U8

A early start this morning for Crusaders U8 away vs Birmingham Rangers U8. Rangers got off to a fast start in what was an even game through out and managed to go 1-0 up. The lads had to work really hard today and did not get much chance to show off some of the passing that has been worked on due to the pitch. We went into half time 1-0 down.

Crusaders came out for the 2nd half on the ball, Elijah Caines was given some space and dribbled the ball in from the side line before a great goal. Another good run up the wing for Elijah Caines saw him score again not long after the break to give Crusaders the advantage. The second half was a really even game with both goalkeepers pulling of some great saves. Both teams kept making chances until the referee gave rangers a penalty for a handball right on the edge of the box. The penalty was scored as the last kick of the game. While we had the better of the chances a draw was probably a fair result for 2 teams that gave their all.

18/10/2026

💛 U16s 💚

🏆 COUNTY CUP | CRUSADERS 4-0 COVENTRY GODIVA

Today, we welcomed Coventry Godiva to Rowheath for our County Cup clash.

Knowing little about our opponents, the boys got straight to work and took control from the start, dominating possession and creating plenty of chances.

We thought it might be one of those days when we couldn’t hit a barn door with a saucepan!
We'll blame the massive of clumps of grass everywhere 😂 Thankfully, the opposition helped us out when Stan’s shot was deflected into the net to make it 1-0.

That seemed to take the pressure off, and the boys soon added a second, with Jayden finishing well. Makai then stepped up and calmly slotted home a penalty to make it 3-0.

HT: Crusaders 3-0 Coventry Godiva

At half-time, we asked the lads to be more clinical in front of goal and to get their shots away sooner.

The boys continued to dominate after the break, but chance after chance went begging. Thankfully, Stan grabbed his second of the day to make it 4-0 and put the result beyond doubt.
MOTM Joe Rose

FT: Crusaders 4-0 Coventry Godiva

A professional performance, a clean sheet and a place in the next round! 💪⚽🏆

Well done, lads! 👏🟡🟢

UP THE CRUSADERS! 🔥

18/10/2026

💛 U9’s 💚

The boys started at a tremendous pace, with the goals coming in pairs! Andréas was first to make his mark, scoring two quick-fire goals as he continues to find his rhythm and confidence in the striker role. Finn soon followed suit, adding two of his own as the boys’ attacking play really clicked into gear.

The teamwork throughout the first half was excellent, with Seb turning provider to set up Harry for a lovely outside-of-the-boot finish. It was a superb goal to round off a fine five-goal first-half display from the boys!

The second half saw Crusaders maintain their attacking threat, with Finn completing his hat-trick and then adding another to finish with four goals in an outstanding individual performance. Seb also got the goal his tireless work rate deserved, capping off a brilliant shift for the team.

There were some excellent individual performances across the pitch, too. Ollie produced one of his best games in a Crusaders shirt, constantly looking to supply the strikers and taking on his wingers with confidence. Theo was as strong as we’ve seen him for some time, breaking up play superbly and driving the ball forward to keep the team on the front foot.

At the other end, Zach came up with some important saves in the second half, dealing with them confidently when called upon and showing just how valuable he is to the team.

Eight goals, outstanding teamwork and contributions all over the pitch. A brilliant all-round performance!

18/10/2026

💛 U12s 💚

A battle of the goalkeepers today for the U12 Greens away vs Strikes Soccer Academy.

An end to end battle from start to finish with both teams giving everything in a closely fought contest. Crusaders struck first in the 12’ with Mazin producing a wonderfully placed pass to find Noah just outside the box. Noah controlled the ball well before calmly slotting home with a composed finish….a special goal dedicated to his beloved pet rabbit Snowy, who sadly passed away this week. Jonah then found himself in space and made no mistake slotting home to double our lead. Strikes managed to pull one back before HT to make it 2–1.

The second half was a physical battle, with both sides fighting hard for every ball. Strikes found an equaliser early on but Crusaders refused to back down. We pushed hard forcing the Strikes goalkeeper in to several superb diving saves from long-range efforts by Brody, Mazin and Joseph, whose free kick looked destined for the top corner. Both teams battled right to the end, but Strikes managed to find the winner with 10 minutes remaining. Crusaders had one final opportunity to sn**ch a draw with a last minute one-on-one but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

POTM:
*Blake* for a solid defensive and attacking performance in the midfield.
*Archie* for several great saves that were also complemented by the oppositions coach, and for his improved drop kicks.

*Well done to the whole team!* standing up to a strong physical side with plenty of positives to take into our next game.

18/10/2026

💛 U12s 💚

An early start for the under 12s away at Alcester Town this morning. The match finished in a 14-0 defeat (half time 8-0) but there were loads of positives to take. We were up against a team who should probably be a few divisions higher, their passing was slick, they moved well and finished clinically. However, the boys showed great determination, held their heads high and kept going to the end. They defended well at times and tracked runners. They also got forward regularly and created some decent half chances. Some of their goals came from us switching off or them being first to a rebound but on the whole the boys played well. We still have lots to work on but me and Jonathan saw definite improvements today against a high level team.

Special mention to Rayhaan and Liam for doing a half each in goal, they both did well.
Parents player today was everyone 😁

18/10/2026

💛 U13s 💚

Solihull Moors 4 v 1 Crusaders

Yet another tough trip on the road for the girls today against a very good Solihull Moors side.

The game turned out to be an advocate for girls football with both teams looking to play good football.

The early exchanges saw both teams cancelling each other out and with little real chances being created for either side.

The home side took the lead following a delivery into the box which we failed to clear.

Late in the first half, with a limited squad today, our joint goalkeeper, Ellie was introduced upfront. From our goal kick, the girls performed a passing pattern of play straight from our training ground. Phoebe to Maisie to Eva, to Lilah to Ellie who squared for Alexa to fire home. A wonderful team goal from back to front.

The scores level at the break and the second half firmly poised.

The second half started the same as the first. Two good teams cancelling each other out.
The home side regained the lead when a defensive mix up led to the Moor striker rolling the ball home.

Crusaders pushed hard for an equaliser and spent a large proportion of the second half on the front foot. Some excellent work by Gracie and Olivia saw the later fire a wonderful ball across the face of the goal which was met by an on rushing Sophia gambling on the back post but unfortunately fired her strike just wide.
A second glorious chance to equalise fell to Ellie who from a tight angle, the goalkeeper turned striker was unlucky to see her strike roll wide of the post.
Crusaders then had 3 corners back to back and somehow didn't manage to equalise when the goal line scramble hit the post and was diverted out for another corner.

Late on, the home side countered twice and scored two well finished goals with the game ending with a flattering scoreline for the Moors.

An excellent game of football where on another day we could have came away victorious. A performance which would beat most teams unfortunately fell short today and Solihull were left to enjoy there victory.

We look to bounce back in two weeks time but for now we can remain proud of the girls start to the season. 5 wins from 7 is definitely showing improvement and today's performance rang out positive signs that work on the training ground is being put into practice.

Parents player of the match - Liberty - A solid performance defensively and her dancing feet are always a pleasure to watch when in possession

Managers player of the match - Ellie - Our joint goalkeeper turned attacker today - Her effort and tenacity caused confusion for the defence and her assist for the goal was worthy of player of the match.

17/10/2026

💛 U11s 💚

This week U11 Greens were playing away at Redditch.

Led out by Captain Elsie C the girls produced one of their most confidence performances.

At the start of the game the girls produced some of their best passing moves, with one move starting in the defence and the ball being passed between 5 of the girls, before ending in a shot that went just wide.

Up the middle Darcy and Tuba dominated, with their attacking runs and quick reactions pouncing on any rebounds or mistakes to score. In one such run Darcy managed to somehow zig zag around the opposition defenders ending in a shot that went just wide.

Down the wings Elsie H and Evelyn worked hard finding space to make some lovely crosses to find our players in the area.

In defence the girls worked well together to smother any attack.

This week’s game was one of best overall performances with all the girls working well together and helping to create the opportunity for Darcy to score 6 and Tuba to score 4. It was a real team effort.

Parents player was Elsie H who’s worked tirelessly on the wing and who helped assist with several of our goals with her penetrating crosses.

Coaches player was Ella for her work on the wing and for stepping up when we needed someone to step in as goalie for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

17/10/2026

💛 U11s 💚

Crusaders U-11 Yellows travelled to West Warwick Sports Club to play Knowle Girls U-11. Knowle are a good team but I’d also say a similar level to us so I knew it’d be a close game and a good battle.

We came out the traps from KO, Isla S to Elizaveta, Elizaveta through ball out wide to Isla B and we fashioned a chance in the first 20 seconds with the kind of passing and movement we’d been working on. The first half was quite a close cagey game with a lot of to and fro in midfield. It was Knowle who’d break the deadlock though when a through ball found a Knowle striker behind the defensive line (No offsides in 7a side) and she finished it well. Knowle took a slender lead into HT.

Second half was a very similar affair in terms of the majority of the game being played in the central third but knowle starting to edge it. A solid strike from outside the area saw Knowle double their lead and a brutal deflected goal saw them seal the result. We had some chances and forced a few saves but play became a bit individualised rather than the passing football we want. Nancy made some great saves too to keep the game close. Dissapoining day at the office overall though. The good thing is me and coach Katherine know we can play much better.

Parents player was Flo for some hard work chasing up and down the pitch to win back possession and press the defence.

Coaches player was Ellie who took a shift in defence second half and did well there forcing play out wide, intercepting attacks and playing the ball forward.

Next up is Northfield town at rowheath where we’ll look to get back to our best.