BY RYAN FERRY
PROMOTION wasn’t on the agenda for Chris Cunningham when he took over as Rathmullan Celtic manager but they are still in the mix heading into the final round of regulation fixtures.
The Seasiders endured a miserable season last campaign as they struggled to compete in the Premier Division.
There were fears that their slump might continue but Cunningham has got the club back on track.
An immediate return to the top flight could be on the cards but there are a few hurdles to overcome first.
They are fourth in the table but could finish in third and the play-off spot if they can defeat Gweedore United on Sunday and win with a few goals to spare.
“We took each game as it came and the progression has really been excellent,” said Cunningham.
“The lads have worked very, very hard. They definitely have gone over and above what was asked of them at the start of the season.
“We were thinking about consolidation and not getting into more relegation battles.
“We’re in a good place but we’re not quite over the line yet.
“Milford are one goal ahead of us. It doesn’t get much tighter to be fair.
“We want to take care of business like we have for the last three months. We have lost a couple but it’s been a good run since January.”
Gweedore United are currently in the relegation play-off spot but could yet retain their Division One status with a triumph against Rathmullan.
Milford won’t have it all their own way either as they take on a Castlefin side who could sneak third spot.
Cunningham said: “The bottom is just as tight as it is at the top.
“Cappry and Kerrykeel are still going for the league and they are playing teams near the bottom that still need points.
“There’s so many permutations but we know we won’t get anything easy in Gweedore.
“I know the boys will give everything they have and see how it goes.
“We won’t be looking at other games. Our concentration will all be on Gweedore.”
Rathmullan will be short some influential players this week with regular goalkeeper Killian Hagan as well as Kevin Doran and Mokhtar Bouasria all set to the miss the clash in Carrickboyle.
“We have a few men missing from suspension.
“They missed the last one as well but in the end up we were able to win pretty comfortably against Gweedore Celtic.
“We have a few boys carrying a few knocks as well but you expect those kind of things and you just have to get on with it.”