Newry City boss Darren Mullen searching for right balance ahead of Linfield trip

Darren Mullen’s men have failed to avoid defeat across five previous Danske Bank Premiership dates away from home comforts.

A single goal scored within that period compared to no fewer than 13 conceded highlights the key struggle suffered by Newry since gaining promotion.

Now Mullen is aiming to turn the tables at the home of high-flying Linfield.

“We feel some of the scorelines may not accurately reflect certain games but when you concede four times in one game twice and three times last weekend, you cannot keep on making excuses for bad luck,” said Mullen. “It is about getting the balance right and that analysis is ongoing.

“We are certainly a better side at this stage of the Premiership compared to when it kicked off.

“It is not about being stubborn or naive in your approach and possibly we made similar mistakes last season but did not get punished the same way compared to the quality of player now up against us week in, week out.

“But I will never send out a team to park the bus, that is not down to beliefs other than I feel it is not the best way to get points.

“If we were to visit Linfield and sit back inviting pressure that would ultimately lead to problems I feel.

“You always want to play in a way that allows opportunity to score.”

Linfield boss David Healy celebrates three years in the Belfast club’s hot-seat this weekend with the visit of Newry.

“The enjoyment, passion ad energy I try to put into this job is 24/7,” said Healy on the club’s official website. “I love managing this football club and being in charge of the group of boys we have here at the minute.”