Portadown's Sean Mackle banned for Distillery game
Last updated on .From the section Football
Portadown's bid to secure a top-six spot in the Premiership split has been hit by the suspension of Sean Mackle for Saturday's game at Distillery.
The Ports are seventh and three points behind Ballinamallard, who also hold a superior goal difference of seven.
The Mallards take on reigning champions Linfield at Ferney Park.
Cliftonville are closing in on the title and Tommy Breslin's men sit 11 points clear at the top going into their Solitude match with Ballymena.
Second-placed Crusaders will be without banned midfielder Chris Morrow for the game against Glentoran at the Oval.
The Crues are eight points ahead of Linfield in third and the priority has switched from catching Cliftonville to securing the runners-up spot.
"I'm delighted with the position we are in going into the final part of the season," said Seaview boss Stephen Baxter.
"We've been very good all season - we haven't lost many games but Cliftonville have lost fewer and that is why they are top.
"Both teams have been very consistent and have won all over the country.
"I've said second spot was our realistic target and we just have to keep our heads down and work towards that.
"It's not achieved yet and there are some big games still to play."
The outcome at the top seems settled but the battle at the bottom continues with just two points separating basement boys Distillery and Donegal Celtic.
Donegal Celtic midfielder Ciaran Carson is suspended for the meeting with Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.
Bans also rule out Glenavon pair Robbie McDaid and Kyle Neill as the Lurgan Blues prepare to host Coleraine.
Saturday 30 March - 15:00 GMT kick-off
Danske Bank Premiership
Ballinamallard Utd v Linfield
Cliftonville v Ballymena Utd
Dungannon Swifts v Donegal Celtic
Glenavon v Coleraine
Glentoran v Crusaders
Lisburn Distillery v Portadown
