Whites set for crunch clash in relegation fight

The Whites lie in thirteenth place in NIFL Championship One, with Distillery’s hopes of survival resting on if they can catch the sides above them.

With just eight matches remaining, time is beginning to go against the New Grosvenor side.

However, they will be determined to give everything they have as battle to remain in the division.

Distillery are 11 points behind several of the sides above them, with a game in hand on some of those teams, and they are 12 points behind Ballyclare, who have moved away from Distillery thanks to recent results, including a 3-2 derby win over Larne.

Last time out, the Whites suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Institute at Drumahoe.

The Whites struggled to get to grips with their in-form opponents and only for a dazzling performance by ‘keeper Gerard McErlean the score could have been considerably worse.

Due to it being Intermediate Cup weekend, the Whites had no game last weekend, so are returning to action tomorrow after a two week break, when they travel to Dixon Park to take on Ballyclare, kick off at 3pm.

Distillery boss Seam Paul Murray said his side face a ‘battle’ to survive this season.

However, Murray admitted he always knew this is what would be in store when he joined the club in November.

“It’s going to be a battle right through to the end of the season, that’s always how I saw it panning out,” he commented.

“The players were signed knowing they were in for a battle and they are all still very confident and upbeat.

“It’s going to be a huge huge task,” Murray added.

“We have a huge job even to get a play off place. Each game now is a cup final for us.

“We have to be doing everything we can to make sure the team stays in the chase.

“We’ll give it everything we have to get a result,” the Whites boss said.