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CIARAN McGurgan insisted he just wants his Annagh United players to “kick on and do it” in the race for promotion to the top flight as the Portadown-based side moved five points clear at the summit of the Playr-Fit Championship with a 3-2 win over Ards at the BMG Arena.
Second-placed Limavady – who, along with fellow Championship sides H&W Welders and Loughgall, came up short in their bid for glory in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup on Saturday against Coleraine, Dungannon and Cliftonville respectively – have played a game less and take on Queen’s University at Seaview on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
Annagh lost the promotion/relegation play-off to Stephen Baxter’s Carrick Rangers at the end of last season, and McGurgan is determined to see his side make the big step up this time around.
“It’s been a really good season so far for us, but credit to Limavady, the Welders and Loughgall who are all going well. It’s a really strong Championship,” he said.
“I would have taken this position at the start of the season. It’s now about keeping players motivated and believing in themselves and kicking on and doing it.”
Craig Taylor (18), Philip Donnelly (45) and Alex Gawne (48) were on target for Annagh, with Jack Reilly (27) and Kielan Reid (55) replying for Ards.
McGurgan said: “That game just about sums up the Championship. We were in control but allowed Arrds back into it. It was a really good game and a big three points for us.
“The home crowd were really brilliant for us, like a 12th man. Our team talk at half time was about togetherness so we were delighted to get back in front at the start of the second half but then we gave Ards another opportunity.”
Peter Hutton’s in-form Institute were 2-1 winners over Warrenpoint Town at Milltown, while Armagh City drew 0-0 with Ballinamallard at Holm Park.
