IRISH LEAGUE: Ivan Sproule up for relegation fight

The 35 year old, who joined The Ducks on a loan deal from Linfield, believes Saturday’s clash against basement side Warrenpoint Town at Ferney Park is a ‘must win’ game for both sides.

Only one point separates the teams, but with games rapidly running out, this could well be a winner takes all affair.

“I didn’t think we would be in this position,” said the former Northern Ireland international. “We have picked up some good points, but inconsistency has been a problem. We have also dropped crucial points against the teams in and around us in the table.

“It would be fair to say that this is a must win game for us. A draw is hardly any good to either side. It’s crucial that Ballinamallard remain in the top flight.

“We have a fight on our hands, there is no question about that, but we are all up for it . . . no one is going to shy away from it.”

Sproule stresses United have been the victims of a dreadful run of luck.

He added: “We can’t afford to feel sorry for ourselves. But on reflection, we were beaten by practically the last kick of the ball at Glenavon. We then went to Windsor and, even though I wasn’t involved because of the loan agreement, the lads were really unlucky not to come away with at least a point.

“We then held Crusaders for 96 minutes until (Colin) Coates bagged a winner. So we certainly haven’t been getting the rub of the green.”