BILLY TACKLES... ROSS REDMAN
AS managers often point out at this time of the season: it’s not about how you win but just winning, and I concur whole-heartedly.
Myself and Coleraine goalie Chris Johns mustered a miserly three points between us from last week’s predictions but, thanks to Ballinamallard and Warrenpoint sharing the spoils, I clinched a 2-1 win. It could be crucial when the prizes are handed out later. Glentoran defender Ross Redman has been a frustrated injured figure on the sidelines recently and, in an effort to kick a man while he is down, I shall be challenging him this week!
The usual rules apply, three points for an exact scoreline and one for predicting the correct outcome.
Carrick Rangers v Coleraine
Saturday (3.00pm)
You have to see a Coleraine win. At the minute they are riding on the crest of a wave. I think they have been unlucky in some of their results, against Linfield and against Glenavon, and they are definitely the real deal and they will be there at the end. They’re a young, fit side, which always helps, and they’re scoring goals which is the main thing. Redman prediction: 1-3
Weir prediction: 1-2
Ards v Glenavon
Saturday (3.00pm)
This will be a tough, tough game for Glenavon. I’ll go for Glenavon as they always seem to score. I think they’ll bounce back after the Linfield game and winning during the week against Portadown in the Mid-Ulster Cup semi-final. Ards are a strange team as they can turn it on and sometimes they just don’t turn up. Redman prediction: 0-2 Weir prediction: 1-1
Linfield v Dungannon Swifts
Saturday (3.00pm)
I don’t think Linfield were ever in crisis and have picked up two great wins against Coleraine and Glenavon. But Dungannon like to play football so it should be a good game.
Redman prediction: 2-1
Weir prediction: 3-1
Warrenpoint Town v Cliftonville
Saturday (3.00pm)
Warrenpoint have been unlucky in their last couple of games but you can’t really see past Cliftonville because they are on a great run. There were always going to score goals because of what they have up top, it was just about keeping it tight at the back.
Redman prediction: 0-3
Weir prediction: 2-2
Ballymena Utd v Ballinamallard Utd
Saturday (3.00pm)
You really have to go for Ballymena in this one. Ballinamallard just can’t buy a win even though they aren’t playing the worst football in the world. They just can’t get over the line, especially away from home. I suppose their luck has to change some time, but not this time.
Redman prediction: 3-1
Weir prediction: 4-1
Season’s standings: Players 7 Weir 5
AND so The Oval boo-boys are back and calling for the head of Gary Haveron. I know, it’s a disaster, a team of kids missing several big players and paid for with buttons is sitting sixth in the league, four points ahead of the chasing pack. Yep, definitely time for him to go.
Behave yourselves.