Crusaders must be ruthless to make Seaview a fortress: Daniel Larmour

Daniel Larmour is keen for Crusaders to reel in Larne

Daniel Larmour has admitted that Crusaders need to revamp their home form if they want to retain hopes of staying in the Premiership title mix.

The 25-year-old feels his side can be more ruthless as they aim to keep in touch with the pacesetters.

Champions Larne arrive at Seaview on Friday night and the Invermen have an opportunity to hit the summit ahead of Linfield’s clash with Glenavon on Saturday.

There was no indication of Crusaders’ home worries in the Europa Conference League qualifiers when they defeated FC Haka 1-0 and held Rosenborg 2-2 but after the League campaign started, opposition teams arriving on the Shore Road seemed to show greater belief.

A 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts and 9-0 thumping of Carrick Rangers suggested that the north Belfast venue remained a fortress but then Loughgall grabbed a point in a 1-1 draw and Cliftonville ran out 3-0 winners.

Glentoran also bagged a point at Seaview, while Coleraine enjoyed a 2-0 victory. Struggling Newry City also secured a big point in a 1-1 draw.

The Crues were also unable to make home advantage count in the County Antrim Shield as they lost a penalty shoot-out against Glentoran.

Former Carrick and Glenavon ace Larmour insists his side need to home in on more Shore Road joy.

“We have been struggling for consistency, including at home,” said Larmour. “We have been unable to replicate our home form from last season which was so strong. We have dropped too many points at home while performing okay away.

“It’s been difficult to string together a run of victories and that has been frustrating.

“The squad has been affected by injuries and with the change in personnel we haven’t been able to get a consistent run