Sky Blues back in action after Easter '˜break'

The Sky Blues endured a frustrating Easter as both their scheduled fixtures over the holiday period were postponed.

Last Saturday’s game against Cliftonville was called off as the Reds had players on under-age international duty, while the Easter Tuesday game at Glenavon bit the dust for the same reason.

It has slowed United momentum after taking four points from their opening two games under Jeffrey but they will have the chance to haul themselves further away from an increasingly tight relegation scrap at the bottom of the Danske Bank Premiership with the Cliftonville game rearranged for this Saturday (3pm) at the Showgrounds.

“Cliftonville are coming off the back of a couple of defeats and they are probably in the last chance saloon with regard to that second place,” said Jeffrey

“It’s going to be very, very tough but we will just think about ourselves.

“The good thing after winning against Warrenpoint in our last game is that we’re further away from that relegation slot and that is the first aim, not to be dragged into that.

“We need to get as far away from those bottom two spots - those were the terms of reference and that’s what the message will be to the players.”

The manager will again be without the services of David Cushley as the winger completes a two-match ban which has been lengthened by United’s inactivity over Easter, while veteran striker Matthew Tipton announced his retirement from playing last week.

* Paramount Ballymena United Supporters’ Club holds its monthly table quiz in the Bowling Club this Friday evening, April 1.

The first question will be fired at 8.30pm and all teams are welcome, with all proceeds going to the parent club.