IRISH LEAGUE: David Healy is demanding a response from Blues ahead of Coleraine test

The Blues suffered their first Danske Bank Premiership defeat in nine starts when they lost 2-1 at Portadown last week.

Not only was the former Northern Ireland striker disappointed with the result, but also the performance of referee Arnold Hunter when he awarded the Ports a first half penalty when Marcio Soares tumbled under the challenge of Mark Stafford.

The defeat saw Healy’s troops fall seven points behind current title holders Crusaders at the top of the table.

“I told the players we need to regroup and go again at Coleraine,” said Healy.

“We need to pick ourselves up and and go off on another unbeaten run.

“I’ve no doubt they (Coleraine) will be gunning for our scalp, the same as every club. They got a good derby win last week, so they’ll not be lacking in confidence.

“For whatever reason Portadown have been in poor form in the league, but they have now taken six points off us. It just shows how teams raise their game against us. Yes, we had chances to get something out of the game, but didn’t take them.

“We were on a nice little run and I’m sure the questions will start again in terms of myself and my team – if we are good enough to challenge (for the title).

“I’ll be asking my players the question. Are they strong enough to go to Coleraine and get a result this weekend?”