Danske Bank Irish Premiership
Newry City 3 Ards 0
NEWRY City coach Gary Boyle has described the game against Ards on Friday night as “the biggest” for the club since its reformation six years ago.
The home win, courtesy of first half goals from Stephen Hughes and Mark McCabe, and an expertly converted free kick from Tiarnan Rushe after the break secured the three points which moved Newry into the relegation play-off spot, and one point ahead of Ards.
With just four games to go, they must be favourites to avoid the immediate drop.
“The guys played really, really well on Friday night,” said Boyle.
“And although results probably haven’t suggested it, that win was coming. It was the biggest game in the club’s reformed history in terms of – it was win or bust. If we had been beaten on Friday night, it would have been very, very difficult to stay in the league.
“We would have been five points adrift of Ards with four to go, but we’ve put ourselves right back in the mix and given ourselves a real fighting chance of staying up.
The run of four games begins this Saturday, when Darren Mullen’s men make the short trip to take on Warrenpoint.
Boyle is a native of the seaside town, and played for them as they made their way up through the various divisions to the premiership.
With his brother John - also a former ‘Point player - now playing for Newry, added spice is added to the local derby.
“They are safe, there’s no doubt about that,” said Boyle. “But it’s a local derby and they’ll not want to relinquish the bragging rights. It’s a game we will be going into with loads of confidence. But it’s a game we will have to win
