BANGOR boss Lee Feeney will tell his players to keep calm and carry on in the heat of the Playr-Fit Championship battle to secure the play-off place and, with it, the right to face top flight Ballymena United for a place in next season’s Sports Direct Premiership.
While Portadown bask in the glory of being crowned champions - and an immediate return to the big time - Bangor, Annagh United and Institute are slugging it out for the play-off spot.
Dundela too could still finish second but cannot step up as Wilgar Park is too narrow and the club have said they will not groundshare so even a third place finish could be enough for one of the other trio.
Fourth placed Annagh host second placed Bangor in Friday night’s final round of matches with the sides level on points and the Seasiders having the better goal difference. Institute, just a point adrift, visit the Ports.
Bangor boss Feeney is full of respect for Annagh and their manager Ciaran McGurgan.
The former Rangers and Linfield player said: “Annagh have been on an unbelievable run of form. My friend Ciaran McGurgan had been hoping for a top six finish but they are pushing for better than that so full credit to him and his team.”
And of his own in-form side, Feeney added: “Sometimes at this stage of the season teams feel the pressure so it can be about trying to calm everybody down.”
FIXTURES
Friday, April 26 (7.45pm unless stated)
Annagh United v Bangor; Dundela v H&W Welders; Portadown v Institute; Ballinamallard United v Ballyclare Comrades; Dergview v Ards; Knockbreda v Newington (7pm)