Annagh United stand certain, bar a mathematical miracle, of a fourth top-flight promotion play-off but boss Ciaran McGurgan was in little mood for celebrating on Saturday – declaring a 4-0 slump to Queen’s “the most embarrassing moment” of his time in the hot seat.

Having suffered previous blows to Portadown, Dungannon Swifts and Carrick Rangers at the final hurdle in the push for the promised land of Premiership football, Annagh will now prepare for another second-tier shot towards a seat at the senior table against either Crusaders or Glenavon.

Limavady United enjoy a six-point league lead and 12-strong superior goal difference over Annagh, the latter now having dropped points with two draws and double defeat over the past four Championship outings.

Limavady travel to face Annagh next with the title champagne on ice – in contrast to the hosts who must shake off the hangover of Saturday’s setback aware a major prize still remains in reach.

placeholder image — Annagh United manager Ciaran McGurgan. (Photo by Sarah Harkness/Pacemaker Press)

"Over my eight years this is probably the most embarrassing moment...because of what it meant and the performance we put in,” said McGurgan after penalty success for Michael Hughes and Ambrose Ajala kicked off and capped the scoring that also featured Daniel Dillon and Charlie Chapman as Queen’s scorers. “Queen's fully deserved the win.

"I can only apologise to the committee and supporters.

“I know Limavady went and took the thing by the scruff of the neck (5-1 win at Newington) so maybe it was still all over...but just really disappointing.

"But, look, we'll have to regroup...it's just now time to get them motivated for that, it's keeping the mindset right.

"Mathematically, you're still in it (title race) but, really and truly, it's all over...at this stage we'll just be focusing on the play-off and trying to get as much information about Crusaders and Glenavon as we can.”

Traditionally hitting the play-offs on positive momentum, Annagh must repair internal confidence disrupted by disappointing form of late before turning external focus towards the promotion bid.

"We'll just have to stay positive, it has been a good season to be fair but, again, it's just disappointing that we couldn't go that one further this time.

"There are a lot of disappointed players there, in the next couple of weeks now it's going to be all about getting the momentum and trying to get them to understand that there's still an awful lot to play for.

"Two games to put a good season very good.

"I think we're just frustrated more than anything after such a good season with the way we've ended it.

"The best team wins the league and these last four or five weeks Limavady's results have been absolutely excellent.

"Over the course of the season, we'll go through it with a fine toothcomb now and see who we can rely on to step up.

"We'll use the next two weeks to get those issues turned around or identify what needs to change.”

McGurgan also highlighted the impact of injuries over the run-in.

He said: "Lee Upton out these past couple of weeks, Ryan Swann out for three weeks, James Convie's first start in nearly two months, Craig Taylor to come back as well...we just have to reassess for the play-offs."