Linfield boss David Jeffrey has urged his players to erase their Irish Cup dejection with victory at Stangmore Park on Friday night.
A 2-1 defeat to Crusaders on Tuesday saw the Blues relinquish the trophy they have won for the past three seasons.
It saw their domination of the blue riband trophy brought to a shuddering halt at the first hurdle.
Jeffrey hopes his players can bounce back with victory against Dungannon Swifts in the Danske Bank Premiership.
And he has demanded an immediate response from his side – who currently sit 16 points adrift of league leaders Cliftonville with a game in hand.
“We have won the cup for the past three years, which is a phenomenal achievement. You can’t win it every year. But it doesn’t take away the pain,” Jeffrey said.
“Now we must lift ourselves for what will be a difficult league game.”
Meanwhile, also on Friday Ballinamallard United will look to cement their place in the top-six with victory against Portadown at Ferney Park.
Mallards boss Whitey Anderson said: “Portadown will be determined to get into the top-six, and with their players they will be expected to do that.
“But all we can do is concentrate on ourselves.”
Elsewhere, Glentoran host Glenavon at the Oval while Ballymena United entertain Donegal Celtic at the Showgrounds.
United boss Glenn Ferguson has demanded a response following last weekend’s 5-1 defeat to Crusaders.
“We’ve had heavy defeats before this season and responded positively and we will want to do that again,” he said.





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