Town in a

Banbridge Town are in for a big weekend that could have a huge bearing on their future. INBL1501-206EB

Boss Ryan Watson knows his side must start picking up points sooner rather than later as they’re fast being dragged into a “relegation scrap.”

The Town were held by basement side Ballymoney United at Crystal Park last weekend and now face a trip to second bottom Coagh United on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

With the potential for as many as three teams to drop through the Championship Two trap door this season, Town must avoid any further slip down the league table if they’re to stave off what would be a catastrophic relegation.

Consequently, this weekend’s game could well be a key point in their season whatever the result.

“We’re in a relegation scrap now,” conceded the boss.

“That’s the reality of it and the sooner we can get points on the board and get a run going the better.”

Saturday’s opponents Coagh are now just three points behind Town, having picked up only their second win of the league season before the turn of the year.

“Coagh are closing in on us now,” said Watson. “Tobermore are only two points behind us too. They’ve both closed the gap on us.

“It’s a big game and although we’re away from home, we’ll go into it with confidence. There’s no reason why we can’t take all three points.”

Last time the sides met, Town came out on the right end of a 4-3 result.

“That will still be fresh on their minds because it hurt them,” said Watson. “It was a brilliant second half from us, which shows us we’re capable of getting a result.”

Town will be without the injured Stephen Jones, who could be out for another fortnight after suffering a relapse of his thigh injury.

“It’s been a crazy season but we’re all sticking together,” said Watson, whose side has been dogged by injury all season.

“We just have to get points on the board as soon as possible and hopefully use that as a springboard.”