JEFFREY’S LAYING DOWN THE LAW

BALLYMENA UNITED David Jeffrey accepts his struggling Sky Blues have to get back to winning ways soon to avoid sleep walking their way into a relegation scrap.

The Braidmen, who lie ninth in the table, have lost their last seven league games and are now only nine points clear of Warrenpoint Town in the relegation playoff spot.

Ahead of today’s trip to Cliftonville, Jeffrey said: “Do I feel we are guaranteed to be safe between now and the end of the season? No, absolutely not.

“Anyone who starts thinking you’re too good to go down only needs to look at Manchester United in the early-1970s when they were relegated.

“In this league, on any given day, any team can beat any other team and the reality is we have had a really horrible year where nothing has gone for us.

“It is a tough time, but I can’t fault the playes’ effort and application. If we can cut out the mistakes and take our chances, we will start winning games of football again.”

Elsewhere, Glentoran will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to face Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

The Glens have taken just four points from their last four games, including a scoreless home draw with Carrick Rangers last weekend.

Larne, who have won their last five games in all competitions, travel to Warrenpoint Town while Carrick host Dungannon Swifts who six points above the drop zone in 10th.

FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED): Institute v Coleraine (1pm), Carrick Rangers v Dungannon; Cliftonville v Ballymena; Glenavon v Glentoran; Larne v Warrenpoint Town.