IRISH LEAGUE: Gavin Dykes out to claim three points off rivals Ards

The Mallards - who have lost their last two league matches - sit just one point behind Ards in the Premiership table.

And Dykes - who last watched his side lose 2-1 to Ballymena Untied in their last league outing has faith that his team can get the job done against Colin Nixon’s outfite.

“We have had a number of players out but we have done well against Ards this season,” said manager Dykes.

“We are capable of going there and winning. The three points would be massive for us.

“Against Ballymena in our last outing I cannot criticise the players for thier effort or commitment.

“They put in a shift against Ballymen and we had chances that day to get something from the game.

“And we have played Ards already and we have done well against them.

“I think they are beatable but it will be tough up there.

“The astroturf surface is difficult but we are lucky enough to be training on one ourselves so there will be no excuses and hopefully if we are at full tilt we will get something out of it.

“And I said a win would be massive,” admitted Gavin.

“It would put us above Ards which for us would be huge, but it will be no easy task.

“I think if we could get anything out of it at all it would be good, but I think we are capable of getting all three points if we perform,” he added.