Crusaders defender Billy Joe Burns is relishing being part of one of the ‘strangest’ league title races in living memory.
Only three points separate the top five clubs heading into the business end of the season with Linfield, Glentoran and Cliftonville all locked on 50 points at the summit.
The Crues , who face Larne at Seaview this afternoon, are a point behind in fourth, with Oran Kearney’s Coleraine breathing down everyone’s necks in fifth.
“It’s been a really strange season so far,” said Burns, who has lifted the Gibson Cup six times, three times as a Linfield player and three with the Crues.
“In the past, there were maybe one or two teams who pulled away from the rest of the pack, but that hasn’t been the case this season.
“There are five teams right up there and Larne in sixth, coming up behind everyone who are capable of putting a string of results together.
“Five or six wins on the bounce could put you in a very strong position in this league and it could come down to whoever puts a consistent run of results together.”
Crusaders head into today’s top-six clash on the back of four straight wins and a crucial 1-0 victory at fellow title contenders Coleraine last weekend.
Jordan Owens headed home his fourth goal in three league games to keep Baxter’s men hot on the heels of the leading pack.
“We hadn’t won down there in a few years, so it was a big win, but at the same time it was only three points,” said Burns.
“If you go out the next week and drop points, a massive result can become meaningless if you don’t follow it up.”
While the Crues have played two more games than leaders Linfield and one more than Glentoran and Cliftonville, Burns is content to be in the title pack.
The versatile defender, who has starred at centre back in recent weeks, said: “We still have a bit of catching up to do, but there’s a long way to go and we’re not ruling ourselves out by any stretch.
“The way this league is going everyone is capable of beating everyone else, so if we can put a series of wins together, that would put us right back in it.”
Larne, who have drawn twice with the Crues already this season, head to Seaview on the back of three wins on the bounce and just one defeat in eight.
“Both times we have played Larne, we have cancelled each other out,” said Burns.
“It’ll be two good teams and two contrasting styles of play. They like to be patient whereas we are more direct and like to get the ball into the box.
“We’re looking forward to it because Larne are a full-time team and they bring a decent crowd with them, so there’s a bit of a buzz now when you play them.”
Check out this week's That's What I Call Football podcast featuring Glentoran striker Jonny Frazer.
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