CARL FORSTER is looking to turn North Wales Crusaders’ home ground into a fortress in League One this season.

Work on the Stadiwm CSM pitch at Colwyn Bay last season meant Crusaders had to utilise five different home venues in 2023, but they’re back home now.

Last Sunday, the home action opened with a hard-fought 20-14 win over Midlands Hurricanes and Crusaders will be looking to make the most of home comforts when they welcome Newcastle Thunder on Sunday.

Player-coach Forster told the club’s Facebook page: “Obviously, since I walked through the door, I think this is only my fourth game here, in my second year.

“So, it just shows you what the club’s been up against and, obviously, the players, the fans, everybody involved.

“So, it’s nice to get a solid base. You know, lads will get a feel for the pitch and I remember playing against Crusaders here and it was always a tough place to come, and we probably don’t have that in the minute, too many new faces, but we will get that up here.”

In a positive start to the new season, Crusaders have won their opening two matches and they sit third in the League One rankings.

Forster added: “It’s a good start to the season, two from two. We were probably seven, eight weeks in last year when we got our second win!

“So, the improvements are there. Obviously, we have another big week coming up this week, back here again.

“So, we need the support, it’s as simple as that. A club like ours, we need people through the turnstiles backing us and, obviously, we’ll make a good go of it this year.”

Crusaders needed the backing of their hundreds of fans in a tense showdown versus Midlands.

Two tries from Pat Ah Van were crucial to the success, while Ryan Ellis and Forster - his third try in two matches - made sure of the other scores.

Owain Abel converted two of the tries.

Hurricanes put the North Wales side under pressure over the course of the 80 minutes and Forster stressed: “When you’re defending your own try-line back-to-back and it (the support) gives you that final edge.

“It’s what you need and, obviously, good crowd and hopefully we can build on it.”

Supporters wishing to travel from Wrexham have the option to do so on the supporters shuttle bus which is set to depart The Turf at 12pm on Sunday.

The coach costs £10 for adults with children under the age of 11 free of charge and 11-16 year olds half price.

The bus will return to The Turf following the game.

Anyone looking to book coach tickets can email crusadersfansbus@gmail.com

Unbeaten Oldham, who are second in the table, travel to Hunslet on Sunday, while Workington Town play host to Rochdale Hornets.