NEWRY City boss Darren Mullen has thrown down the gauntlet to his misfiring players ahead of Friday night’s crunch Playr-Fit Championship relegation battle against basement side Newington at the Showgrounds (7.45pm).
Newry, in the relegation play-off spot after dropping down from the top flight at the end of last season ahead of Mullen’s arrival after the start of this campaign, are three points ahead of the north Belfast Swans – who have landed striker Jay Donnelly on loan from Glentoran – but have played two matches more.
Mullen said: “It’s a massive game. If we don’t beat Newington then we don’t deserve to be in this league.
“We are in a relegation battle and we need to show some fight. We are running out of games. We are in this position for a reason and we need to fix things pretty quickly.
“Our previous performance (4-0 defeat at Annagh) was unacceptable.”
Bangor are nine points clear at the top – with a game more played – after the 4-0 midweek victory over Ballyclare Comrades and take on north Down derby rivals Ards on Saturday at Clandeboye Park, the clubs' shared home venue.
Limavady, in second place, and Institute meet in a north west derby at the Showgrounds.
Dundela go to Ballinamallard, the Welders face Annagh United at Blanchflower Stadium and Ballyclare host Armagh City, with all Saturday matches kicking off at 3pm.