Portadown winger Chris Lavery insists the club’s preparation for their promotion play-off game with Carrick has already begun.
Matthew Tipton’s side sit nine points clear of Ballinamallard, in fifth, with two games remaining while it is not thought that fourth-placed Dundela will apply for a promotion licence.
That means that the Ports , who moved into third with a 3-1 win over H&W Welders on Saturday, will travel to Carrick in a one-off play-off match to decide who enters the two-legged play-off against either Ards or Newry from the top flight next month.
“Our preparation for the play-off has already started in training this week,” Lavery told Match On Tuesday.
“We have league games against Ballinamallard and Carrick still to come but players will be fighting for their places because there is great competition across the squad.
“It’s really important to be going into these play-off games with momentum behind you, so we cannot look beyond the next games and make sure we are giving 100% in them and don’t let our level slip.
Limavady United striker Alex Pomeroy confident Roesiders can secure Championship status
“The standards in training have been great and there is a really good spirit in the squad, and right now we are full of confidence.
“We know the challenge that will await us because Carrick have been in great form this season, then Ards or newry both will be big tests.
“But we believe in what we can do and that is our mindset.”
Linfield boss David Healy issues call for support ahead of trophy day
The former Glentoran winger came off the bench to score in Saturday’s win over the welders, making it six wins for the Ports at Shamrock Park in their last eight outings.
“We knew a win would guarantee us a play-off spot and we were focused on that,” added Lavery.
“Saturday was our first home game in five weeks and it’s been frustrating we haven’t been able to replicate those results on the road.
“This is a really difficult division and even more so this season because of the financial backing that Larne have. It was impossible for anyone else to challenge them this time. They are an excellent team and I’ve no doubt that they will excel in the top flight next season, but if you look at the likes of us, Carrick and the Mallards – it’s a really high standard.”
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play
