Premiership survival more important than Irish Cup progress for Newry City chief Barry Gray

Barry Gray says Irish Cup progress would be of no benefit if his Newry City side suffered relegation from the Premiership

Newry City boss Barry Gray says Premiership survival remains his core objective after seeing his side suffer a shock Irish Cup exit against Championship outfit Newington.

Ahead through Brandon Doyle, the home side found themselves behind when ‘Ton debut boy Ruaidhri Donnelly notched a double that City were unable to react to.

Gray this week commences a six-match touchline ban imposed by the Irish FA for comments he made about a referee and, still seeking the first point of his tenure at The Showgrounds, was philosophical about their Cup exit.

“Not to dismiss the Irish Cup, but winning the Irish Cup and getting relegated is a disaster season,” said Gray, whose side face a huge basement battle with fellow strugglers Ballymena United on Friday night.

“Getting knocked out of the Irish Cup and staying in the Premier League next year is a saving grace and a job done. That’s where our focus is.”

Newington coach Thomas Duffy was understandably happier to embrace the prospect of a longer run in the Cup, with Newington now counting down the days until they tackle Larne at their own Inver Park base.

“I think we fully deserved it,” he said.

“From the first whistle, we were the better team. I don’t think Newry created too much. Credit to the boys, they limited them in any chances that they had and I think anybody that came to the match today will know it was the right result and we were the better side.”

Duffy also felt City’s opener had come against the run of play.

“It was the first time they got into our box and they scored a goal, but before that we had two chances,” he added.

“We were strong today and we