A Swift punt with Ports & Distillery

Coleraine v Armagh City
Coleraine are without defender Stuart Clanachan as they attempt to build on two highly creditable draws in their last two outings. The Eagles have skipper Johnny Cowan suspended, along with Liam Cullen. Philip McBirney is expected to miss the game and Mark Gracey is doubtful. Gary McKinstry's side are oozing confidence on the back of four straight wins, but their mettle will be seriously tested by the Bannsiders. I'm going to sit this one out from a punting point of view.

11/8 Coleraine
11/5 Draw
13/8 Armagh City


Crusaders v Limavady United
Crusaders should be comfortable winners here; it will be interesting to see how well they react to last week's disappointment. Limavady have shipped 9 goals without reply in their last three outings; Distillery embarassed them with a 5-0 drubbing on their home turf last time out. That hangover combined with the absence of Stephen Parkhouse suggests they'll struggle to keep a clean sheet against the Hatchetmen, let alone score. Crues are ones for the multiples.

4/9 Crusaders
13/5 Draw
6/1 Limavady


Donegal Celtic v Dungannon Swifts
DC's only victory this term was against the aforementioned Roesiders on the opening day; boss Paddy Kelly has made no secret of his displeasure with his squad, but the threat of imminent changes has done little to improve the status of the top tier's new boys. Four defeats on the trot is clear evidence of same. PK's threat to quit after another abject performance last week may act as a stimulus for his side, but on any occasion Harry Fay's team present a serious threat; they've won 4 from their last 5 and are showing signs of discovering that elusive commodity, consistency. Away win for small stakes.

5/2 Donegal Celtic
9/4 Draw
10/11 Dungannon


Glenavon v Linfield
The Battle of the Blues at Mourneview Park! Glenavon, already without Aaron Black after his sudden departure, must also contend with the absence of David Atiba Charles. All this against one of the most potent strike forces in the league; Peter Thompson's brace last week heralding a return to top form from the deadly striker. DJ's men aren't conceding too many, and haven't lost since their opening day reverse v Cliftonville. Spike should be celebrating his 400th appearance for the Champions with a win!


13/2 Glenavon
11/4 Draw
2/5 Linfield


Glentoran v Cliftonville
For those of you who do not know- this intriguing reprisal of the CIS Cup final kicks off at one, so get your money down early! Cliftonville played all the football last time out, but left Windsor empty handed. Eddie Patterson returns to the bench after his protracted suspension and would surely settle for a reversal of roles this time around. Huge game for the Reds, who can't afford to fall any further behind the table toppers; but they'll do well to take even a point from the freescoring Glenmen. The Glens winning run to continue.

4/5 Glentoran
9/4 Draw
3/1 Cliftonville


Larne v Lisburn Distillery
Larne still await their first point under new management. Meanwhile, the Whites have clicked into gear and are on the back of a 3 game winning run. Since Linfield embarassed them at home, they've conceded only twice in 5 outings. Paul Kirk's men have something of a reputation for falling over low hurdles; they don't come much lower than a side which has lost an incredible 8 in a row. Distillery for the points.

3/1 Larne
9/4 Draw
4/5 Lisburn


Loughgall v Ballymena United
The Villagers' problems are well documented; but show no signs of alleviating; the poorest scoring record combined with the most porous defence can only mean bottom feeding for the rudderless outfit. While Ballymena have disappointed thus far, they have managed to string consecutive victories together for the first time - I wouldn't go breaking the bank backing them for a third straight win but they should still achieve it.

9/4 Loughgall
9/4 Draw
EVS Ballymena


Newry City v Portadown
Roy Coyle's side were impressing, early doors, as they say. Just as things were taking a turn for the better, Karl Bermingham fell injured and the Newrymen lost four on the trot, albeit against the top 4 sides. They continue that horrendous fixture sequence with the visit of Portadown. Ronnie's red raiders struggled in front of goal last time out, but they are on the grandmother of all runs. Unbeaten in 9 games, they need to keep the pressure on the top 4 with a win and are strong enough to do it.

13/5 Newry
12/5 Draw
5/6 Portadown


I'll be backing Dungannon, Portadown and Distillery in singles this week.