Crusaders defeat by Carrick 'embarrassing' - Caddell

Crusaders manager Declan Caddell said his side "let themselves down" during their 6-1 defeat against Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.

Goals from Aidan Steele, Adam Lecky, Danny Gibson, a double from Paul Heatley and an own goal from Fraser Bryden secured the impressive win for former Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter's side.

Crusaders sit in 11th position with 26 points but have played a game more than Glenavon, who are a point behind and have a superior goal difference.

"Poor from us, embarrassing," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

"The fans came and gave their support as they have all season and, once again, have been let down. The players should be embarrassed by the performance today.

"They let me down and the fans down but first and foremost they have let themselves down."

The Crues are without a win in their past 12 games with their last victory on 3 January against Dungannon Swifts.

Caddell added that the side need to "go again" in their final four fixtures which include a trip to face Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

"As of today, we have to wipe it clean and go again. That should hurt today, it should really, really hurt," Caddell continued.

"Every game is significant. We are going into two home games now and we need to be a lot better.

"If we turn up like that for those games, it is not going to be any good. Very poor from start to finish and I can't put my finger on why."

Despite the result all but securing seventh position for Carrick Rangers, Baxter said he is disappointed to see his former side struggle.

During his 19-year tenure, the north Belfast side won three Irish Premiership titles, four Irish Cups, a League Cup and three County Antrim Shields.

This season, his new side Carrick Rangers have had a very different campaign to his former club and have the County Antrim Shield in their trophy cabinet.

"Crusaders is a club that I absolutely love with all my heart. The memories that I have will never be taken away and the achievements that we got together were very special times," Baxter told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound.

"It is disappointing to see where they are right now and, hopefully, they will be able to regroup, get themselves together and have a wee shot at trying to stay up.

"Honestly, it is heartbreaking for me to see what is happening and disappointing at the same time."