Ballymena United’s manager Oran Kearney expressed his admiration for striker Igor Rutkowski, stating he “wouldn’t want to face” him after Rutkowski scored both goals in their 2-0 win over Crusaders at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Following a scoreless first half, Rutkowski found the net twice after the break, securing essential points for the home team.
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Since joining from Armagh City in January, the striker has made a significant impact, enhancing Kearney’s attacking options as the club seeks to distance itself from the relegation zone.
“Strikers are evaluated based on their goals, and I wouldn’t want to go up against him,” Kearney told BBC Sport NI. “His work rate, commitment, and contribution both on and off the ball are fantastic, and he fully deserves his goals.”
“He’s had a great start, but there are still aspects of his game that we are working on.”
The Sky Blues currently sit in tenth place, three points ahead of Crusaders, who are in the relegation play-off spot.
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“Everything you’d want in a game like this came together,” Kearney added. “Matches like this can be tense and challenging. It has been a difficult stretch for both teams, so it was important for us to demonstrate resilience. We scored at crucial moments and kept a clean sheet, which is vital, and I’m just pleased to have secured the three points.”
In response, Crusaders manager Declan Caddell urged his team to “wake up” following the defeat, which leaves them winless in their last six matches.
“They didn’t show up; our performance was not good enough considering what was at stake,” Caddell told BBC Sport NI. “They need to wake up as we move forward.”