Ferguson wants to avoid ending Warrenpoint’s barren run

The Sky Blues entertain the Danske Bank Premiership’s basement side Warrenpoint Town this Saturday (3pm).

After their weekend game against Portadown was called off, it means the border side travel to the Showgrounds on the back of 12 straight league defeats and Ferguson has called on his players to focus in order to ensure they extend the visitors’ miserable run.

“People would expect more of Warrenpoint because last year they were decent and hard to play against,” said ferguson.

“They have lost a lot of games in a row and we will have to work hard to make sure that sequence doesn’t end this week.

“It’s going to be a tough game because no matter who you are playing against in this league, teams are well organised and work hard.

“The important thing will be getting the first goal and not having to chase the game.

“It’s important we pick up points against the teams below us and stay above them.

“The teams above us have better players, who can do the right things at the right times, and bigger budgets.

“We have to get the best out of our players as much as we can. We can’t get complete consistency and I’ve said openly if they have to play two weeks and then come out again and someone else go in just to keep them hungry, we might have to do that.”

Ferguson hopes to have Scottish central defender Gareth Rodger fit again after injury, while his surprise replacement at the weekend, previously out-of-favour Paddy McNally, is likely to remain in the first team panel.

“Paddy has been working really, really hard in training. Gareth got injured on Tuesday with his hamstring.

“I thought Paddy deserved a wee chance, especially going back to Cliftonville, and he didn’t do badly,” added Ferguson.

Saturday’s match will be preceded by United’s second pre-match corporate lunch of the season.

A total of 25 tables have been sold for the function, which is sponsored by Francey Coach Hire.