IRISH LEAGUE: Warrenpoint boss Barry Gray wants his troops to remain on track

Basement side Warrenpooint Town are in the process of upstaging the great Houdini as the strive for top flight security.

Only a few weeks ago they appeared to be heading back to Championship One after two years in the Premiership, having been cut nine points adrift from the teams above them at the foot of the table.

But following a sequence of impressive results – three draws followed by three wins – Town travel to County Tyrone only one point behind Ballinamallard United – and three adrift of Dungannon and Carrick Rangers.

“It is a six-pointer, there is no doubt that,” said Gray.

“I’ve said all along, it’s not about what we do against Crusaders, Cliftonville or Linfield, it’s about how we fare against the teams around us in the table.

“We face a massive few weeks, which could well determined the rest of our campaign. We’ve got Dungannon followed by Ballinamallard and then Carrick.”

Following last weekend’s rout of Glentoran, Warrenpoint approach the game brimming with confidence. The introduction of Martin Murray and Johnny McMurray has been pivotal, who joined Town on loan from Cliftonville for the rest of the season.

But Gray points out the return of goalkeeper Johnny Parr also been key.

“They have helped injected a new impetus, while the players around them have responded,” Gray added.