Carrick must show mean streak to fend off bottom-half rivals, declares Curtis Allen

Carrick Rangers forward Curtis Allen wants his team to show more of a clinical edge

Newry City manager Barry Gray will target his first win in charge when his side take on Loughgall

Both Coleraine and Carrick Rangers have been feeling the chill as they struggle to return to winning ways in the Premiership, but if their scheduled game at the Showgrounds survives the freezing temperatures on Saturday, it will be an opportunity to raise spirits.

A pitch and ground inspection will take place ahead of the fixture which comes at a time when the heat is on the Bannsiders.

Oran Kearney’s men are still recovering following a 6-0 hammering at Glentoran. After a sixth successive defeat saw them drop out of the top six, everyone at the north west club needs a lift.

Glenavon’s win away to Carrick was a third consecutive loss for Stuart King’s men, prompting striker Curtis Allen to call for his side to be more ruthless.

“Results have been disappointing, we just haven’t performed and been unlucky at times,” said Allen. “We aren’t expected to beat the top sides but it has been a difficult run.

“Goals change games and we need to take chances. You have to pull your socks up and go again.

“It’s tight in the bottom half with plenty of games left, and every week brings a massive game. The squad need to stay tuned and pick up as many points as we can.”

The former Coleraine frontman was also pleased to see the Bannsiders’ board back their under-fire manager.

“I have worked with Oran a long time and can say it’s top-notch the work he puts in,” he added.

“One season that goes wrong is not a reason to sack someone, and if Coleraine did that, it would be someone else’s massive gain as another club would take him.

“It could be something Coleraine