Distillery seek solace at Solitude

LISBURN Distillery face a daunting task on Tuesday night as they bid to grab a lifeline at the bottom of the table.

The Whites travel to Solitude to face Cliftonville where they lost 3-0 just a few weeks ago.

On that occasion they held on for 70 minutes and boss Tommy Wright would love to come away with a point this time around as the Reds have dipped in form lately crashing out of the Irish Cup and losing their top spot to Linfield.

In contrast, Linfield face team of the moment Portadown at Windsor Park in what could prove decisive in where the Gibson Trophy will be going at the end of next month.

The Blues are a point clear and have three games in hand of second placed Glentoran and a win over Portadown would certainly put them firmly in the driving seat.

"This is as tough as they come," said boss David Jeffrey. "Portadown are in top form at the minute and making up ground fast in a bid to break into the top six.

"We will have to be at our very best to beat them. In the game at Shamrock Park we played some great football and yet ended up losing 1-0. The table looks pretty good for us now, but we cannot afford any dip in form at this crucial stage of the campaign."