Local senior sides have plenty to play ahead of split

LOCAL senior sides Dungannon Swifts, Dergview and Ballinamallard United all have plenty to play for ahead of the split in both the Danske Bank Premiership and Lough 41 Championship.

Following positive results for Portadown and Carrick Rangers at the weekend, combined with a 5-0 hammering by Linfield, Dungannon are in danger of being sucked into the Premiership’s relegation dogfight.

Swifts are just four points clear of the Ports who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot. Tomorrow evening (Tuesday) Dean Shiels’ men host title-chasing Cliftonville and on Saturday take on Crusaders in their final game before the split.

While Warrenpoint Town are all but relegated, which team finishes second bottom is far from being decided. With just six games remaining following the visit of the Reds, Swifts still have work to do to ensure they remain in the top flight.

In the Championship, Dergview and Ballinamallard United meet at Ferney Park on Saturday with everything on the line.

A win for the Castlederg visitors and defeat for Ards at HW Welders could see Tommy Canning’s team secure a place in the top six.

The Mallards, meanwhile, will surely need maximum points from the local derby if they are to rekindle their promotion push.

On Saturday, the Ducks slipped to fourth following a 2-0 defeat at promotion rivals Loughgall while a Mattie Kirk double helped Dergview record an impressive 2-1 win at HW Welders.

As things stand, the Mallards are 11 points behind leaders Newry City and seven adrift of second placed Annagh United.