WARRENPOINT TOWN can close the gap between themselves and Carrick Rangers to three points if results go their way on Tuesday.
David Gray’s seasiders host Portadown at Milltown, while Carrick - currently six points ahead with three games in hand - make the trip to Ballymena United. Victory for basement outfit Town and defeat for second-from-bottom Carrick would tighten things up at the foot of the table. Warrenpoint looked likely to be cut adrift before last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Coleraine and boss Gray wants his side to build on the win and boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
“This is a massive opportunity to put six points on the board in a short space of time,” he said.
“The confidence from Saturday's win puts us in good stead for the Ports game, but we know it will be tough.”
Danny Hughes put Warrenpoint ahead when they travelled to Shamrock Park in August, but goals from Gary Twigg and Keith O’Hara sealed a 2-1 win for the Ports. Since then, Hughes has left for Cliftonville, but Warrenpoint unearthed a new goal-scoring hero in Stephen Murray, who scored twice in the victory over the Bannsiders to secure just the second league win of the season for Warrenpoint.
“It was our first home win of the season and our first clean sheet and that's nothing to be celebrating,” Gray said after the win.
“However, hopefully it is the first step for things to come and we have a fairly decent record against Portadown.”
Portadown could play midfielder Philip Lowry after the former Linfield and Institute star signed from Derry City until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Carrick will be hoping to maintain their four-game unbeaten run as they travel to County Antrim Shield winners Ballymena. Gary Haveron’s side have won three games this season, but they’ve proven impossible to beat since their 2-1 victory over Ballinamallard United on December 19, drawing with Warrenpoint and Cliftonville (3-3) and beating Banbridge in the cup.
As well as the league action, there are two Irish Cup fifth round encounters on Tuesday night, with Annagh United taking on Knockbreda and Glentoran facing Championship leaders Ards at the Oval.
