IRISH LEAGUE: Warrenpoint boss Barry Gray believes this weekend is defining moment

Battling Town inched away from the bottom of the pile following their fantastic win against Ballymena United in midweek, leaving Carrick Rangers in the automatic drop slot!

But with Portadown, who prised themselves away from the relegation mire after a last gasp win at Carrick on Tuesday, due to visit Milltown tomorrow, Gray insists it’s a ‘six-pointer’ for both teams.

“I know there are two matches left, but I think this weekend could be crucial,” said Gray.

“There are only two points separating Ballinamallard, ourselves and Carrick.

“Depending on results elsewhere, three points on Saturday, could be enough to see us over the line. We are basically taking one game at a time.

“I was thrilled with the win over Ballymena . . . it was fully deserved.

“Even when they took the lead, it was against the run of play.”

Gray also saluted the performance of Stephen Murray, who bagged a hat-trick against David Jeffrey’s United.

“He’s had a great second half to the season,” added Gray.

“His finishing was top drawer . . . and he might even have had another one.

“The boys showed a lot of character and bottle after falling behind.

“We’ll need that same commitment and attitude against Portadown.

“They may have pulled themselves clear of the bottom three, but it’s still possible for them to drop into the bottom two, so they’ll be battling for the points,” added Gray, who has Stephen Hughes back in the squad following suspension.