Town players must become leaders as in-form Annagh await

They could scarcely pick a more difficult next outing in which to do that though. On Saturday, they host high-flyers Annagh United at Crystal Park (kick-off 2pm), who are fresh off the back of a 7-2 victory over league-leaders Moyola Park.

Watson at least hopes to be able to welcome Mattie McCartan and Adam Dennison back to the panel and the manager has called on players to become leaders in order to end their losing streak.

“I have a belief in the players but when the chips are down, I need players to step up and be leaders on the pitch,” he said.

“We need them to fight for every ball and for every point. They need to take some responsibility and really have a long, hard look at themselves.

“If they do that, they’re well capable of getting points from this game.”

Watson has also warned the team’s stalwarts that their positions will be under threat if performances don’t improve.

“It would be nice to make a few changes but we haven’t really got that luxury,” he said. “Maybe the young lads would be better and give me more commitment.

“At the same time, I know that’s not my players. They’ve shown theyhave great fighting spirit. It’s not beyond them to respond in the right manner but it has to happen quickly.”

Saturday’s opponents Annagh are now

“Annagh are a strong outfit and have brought in players from higher leagues and I fully expect them to be challenging for the title. They’re always a physical team and put it up to you. We need to match their effort and win that battle, as we do against any team in this league.

“The players have to be up for it and respond. If they aren’t at their game on Saturday, it would be very worrying.

“We need to defend a lot better as well. We’re still making errors conceding soft goals.”