Promotional duo clash

The Waterside men currently sit in fourth spot, 10 points adrift of leaders Ballinamallard United, but they are two points behind this weekend’s opponents, however City do have two games in hand over ’Stute and because of that Kee believes his side have to win.

“It’s another must win game for us, but to be honest every game from now until the end of the season is a must win for us,” explained Kee.

“They (Newry) are two points clear of us and have played two games less than us, so because of that they are in the driving seat, so it’s important that we win if we harbour to get one of the two promotion places.”

After this weekend’s clash the Drumahoe club have two tricky away games at Bangor and Glebe Rangers and Kee knows how difficult those encounters are going to be.

“Every game is going to be difficult, I have to admit that I looked at the fixtures recently and we have a lot of tough games from now until the end of the season.

“We have Newry this Saturday, then we are away to Bangor from Glebe, but we must remain focused on this weekend’s game with Newry.”

Going into the Newry match, ’Stute will be without striker Stephen Parkhouse through suspension, while fellow front-men Joe McCready and Mark Kelly are also both struggling with back and groin problems respectively.

One man who is back available for selection is last weekend’s match winner Darren McFadden, the Waterside youngster just returned from a recent broken ankle and because of that injury Kee doesn’t want to throw him back in on a regular basis.

“We have to be careful with Darren as he’s only back from his broken ankle injury. We know he has got a lot of talent and potential, but I want him to bide his time because of the recent injury.

“Unfortunately Parky is out through suspension and he’s an experienced striker for us, while Joe is complaining about a back problem and Mark is struggling with a groin injury, but the squad has been good this season and we have to just get on with it.”

Kee also praised the entire squad’s attitude and commitment to the club.

“All the players have been first class this season, although there has been a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes but they have kept it in house and they have kept being very professional, so that’s credit to the players.

“They have given their all in every game and no matter where we finish this season I just want us to keep progressing as a club, yes me personally I want to be top of the league, but that’s because I’m impatient, but overall I have been very pleased with all the players attitudes and commitment.”