‘It’s up to the players:’ boss

The Amateur League Division 1C side are third from bottom and host 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys this weekend (kick-off 2pm).

The visitors are just one place and one point ahead of the locals in the league table and Brownlee is desperate for his side to pick up maximum points.

“This is a massive game for us,” he said. “We need to start picking up points, especially against the teams who are in and around ourselves.”

The Amateurs were beaten 5-0 in their last league game and Brownlee is demanding more.

“It’s up to the players now as to what they put into the game,” he said.

“In our last game, the lads didn’t do it at all. We need them to be a lot better on Saturday. They have to up their game and, if they do, hopefully we can get the three points.

“All of our games are important but games like this can be the difference between getting up to mid-table and being involved in the relegation dog-fight.

“A win on Saturday would give us a bit of breathing space.”

Newtownabbey certainly couldn’t be accused of going into the game in good form. They’ve lost their last three, conceding 10 goals and scoring not even once.

Nonetheless, Amateurs manager Brownlee doesn’t want to take anything for granted.

He said: “Newtownabbey will probably be a physical side and we’re going to have to be up for the battle. They’ll know we’re going to go above them if we win so they’ll be well up for it. This is a real six-pointer.

“It was really disappointing that the game against Saintfield was called off last weekend because it would have been great to get back in for that game and try and get a bit of momentum going.”