Ferguson targets league points over hoiday period

In the next month, United have the League Cup final against Cliftonville and also the opening game of their Irish Cup campaign, but Ferguson is more concerned with the pursuit of points.

Saturday’s 2-1 win at Institute arrested a poor run of form in the Danske Bank Premiership and Ferguson hopes the SKy Blues can record a third straight win in all competitions in the annual Boxing Day game at home to Coleraine (3pm).

“After reaching the League Cup final, the players know they will have to earn their places in the final, and the only way they can do that is by playing well in the games in between.

“By the time the final comes around, we might have some of our injured players back and we will have Gary McCutcheon and poissibly some other new faces fighting for places in the team for league games so players will have to up their game.

“They shouldn’t need me to tell them how important the Boxing Day game is - they’ve all been att he club long enough to know how important it is to the supporters,” added Ferguson, who will be without key defender Johnny Taylor, who misses the game through suspension after accumulating five bookings.

Anyone who still has to purchase tickets for Friday’s game are reminded that tickets will be available at the Showgrounds entrance from 11am to 1.30 pm on Boxing Day and then at the Bowling Club from 1.30-3pm.