Hoops out to sink ducks
2010-02-06, 00:19:47
Ladbrokes.com Championship: Donegal Celtic vs Ballinamallard, Saturday, Feb 6 at Celtic Park, 3pm
Donegal Celtic midfielders Paul McAreavey and Liam Watson will face fitness tests ahead of Saturday's Championship class with Ballinamallard at Celtic Park.
The duo sustained knocks during training earlier this week and manager Pat McAllister says he will reserve selecting his starting X1 until the last minute.
"Paul and Liam are the only concerns but I would be hopeful that both will play - certainly I would be more optimistic that Paul will pass the fitness test. The remainder of the squad is fit and ready."
Celtic return to league action on the back of the recent 8-1 defeat of Glebe Rangers. The hoops trail league leaders Loughgall by five points but travel to Lakeview Park with the opportunity to close the gap on Saturday, Feb 13.
Boss McAllister said: "It's back to basics after the win over Glebe. Scoring eight goals does not bring in any more than three league points, so there's no-one getting carried away. I was pleased with how we performed in that game and if we perform like that against Ballinamallard and win 1-0 that will be just as good.
"We don't normally look ahead but we talked this week about this fixture and the next one against Loughgall and how they can define our season. We simply must take six points because the slip-ups we have had mean that we can no longer afford another between now and the end of the season.
"This club has to get back into the Premier League and the players know that - and they are focussed. I trust each and every one of them to recognise that every game from now to the end of the season is a cup final."
Meanwhile, Donegal Celtic have agreed to face Bangor FC in a Ladbrokes.com Championship game at Clandeboye on Friday, Feb 26 at 7.45pm.
Donegal Celtic won the previous league meeting between the sides (2-1) earlier this season.
The WKD Intermediate Cup game between Ballyclare Comrades and Donegal Celtic will take place on Tuesday, Feb 9 at Dixon Park, 7.45pm.
This week's fixtures: Saturday, 6th February, 2010
Ladbrokes.com Championship 1 (kick-off 3pm)
Armagh City v. Ards
Ballyclare Comrades v. Glebe Rangers
Ballymoney United v. Limavady United
Banbridge Town v. Bangor
Carrick Rangers v. Larne
Coagh United v. Loughgall
Donegal Celtic v. Ballinamallard United
Picture: Former Bangor player Jim McMenamin will face his old colleagues on Feb 26 at Clandeboye.
