Friars encouraged by Derg performances ahead of Ballyclare game

EMMET Friars says he is greatly encouraged by the effort and application of his Dergview players in recent weeks.

On Saturday the Darragh Park outfit drew 1-1 with high-flying Bangor who grabbed a point with a stoppage-time equaliser.

The previous week the Castlederg outfit pushed Portadown right to the wire only to lose 3-2 with Ryan Mayse netting a 85^th minute winner.

Next up for the relegation strugglers is a home game against Ballyclare tomorrow night (Tuesday) and Friars said he and is players were looking forward to the challenge.

After Saturday’s draw he said, “We have to take the positives and the positives are that we are pushing the top teams in this league right to the death.

“It’s a mental thing for us at the minute, that’s all it is.

“We are really looking forward to having Ballyclare here on Tuesday night, they are a really good side.

“We are currently in a tough run of games, Portadown, Bangor, Ballyclare, The Welders, Dundela, that’s as tough as it gets in this league. But we’re not daunted by it.

“We know how good Ballyclare are. They were down here a few weeks ago and to be honest were too good for us on the day. Our performance was very flat and after the game I told the players that I will never accept that.

“It happens occasionally at every club but now is not the time for us.

“I think the players have bounced back in the last two weeks, and, while we haven’t been getting the results we wanted, they are giving me everything.”

On Saturday Niall McGinley gave Dergview a second half lead with a spectacular volley but Howard Beverland netted deep in stoppage-time to rescue a point for the Seasiders.

Dergview are currently second bottom of the Playr-fit Championship 15 points clear of basement boys Knockbreda but seven points behind of Ards.

Tuesday evening’s game kicks off at 8pm.