Ballymacash Rangers boss Lee Forsythe believes his side’s title tussle with Crewe United is the equivalent to Manchester City and Liverpool’s rivalry this season.
The gap at the top of Intermediate A is down to six points heading into the final straight of the 2021/22 campaign, with Crewe still holding a game in hand with the sides still to meet one more time.
Ballymacash’s draw with Moneyslane on Saturday, coupled with Crewe’s 3-2 win over Richhill AFC and midweek success over Rectory Rangers, has narrowed the lead at the top.
Read more: Finaghy's late title bid leaves Chris Stewart on cloud nine
Forsythe’s side has lost just one league game all season, while Crewe have won 17 of their last 18 fixtures in Intermediate A.
And Forsythe believes both teams deserve credit to their stellar form.
“We have two teams going for the title. We have five games left and Crewe have six,” Forsythe said.
“There is still lots of football to be played. But both teams have been sensational this season.
“The form both have been in is incredible. People talk about Man City and Liverpool in the English Premier League. I think we are the Mid Ulster equivalent because we have done something similar.
“I think Crewe have won 17 and drawn one of their last 18 games. We have only lost one game out of 25. So the form of both teams has been super.
“That’s what we’re here for. That’s what the aims and ambitions of both clubs are. To be playing in big games. If winning was easy it wouldn’t be worth doing.
“I don’t want anything handed to us, and between myself and Eamonn (McCarthy) we have been here many times with Ards Rangers and Newington.
“We have had this battle before and it is a great rivalry. Both of us have enjoyed success in these battles, and we have a few more to come this season.”
Forsythe added: “Crewe have kept us honest this season, and vice versa. I think we have pushed each other to a new level.
“Crewe maybe didn’t have as good a start to the season as us, but they have come on strongly.
“They brought in excellent additions during the window, adding quality and experience to their squad.
“So we don’t expect Crewe to drop too many points, which means we have to be on our game every week and we have to win as many games as we can.
“And credit to the boys for going on the run they went on. We needed to do that. It is a long season, having to play 30 league games. That’s a big ask for all players.”
Forsythe was left to rue a late penalty miss on Saturday as Ballymacash were held to a 2-2 draw by Moneyslane.
He also believes a few decisions went against his side at Jubilee Park.
“We haven’t had too many days where we could complain about some of the decisions, but Saturday was maybe one of those days,” he said.
“I suppose people say they even themselves out over the season. I won’t say too much other that it was disappointing.
“But we have been on a great run and we can’t complain too much.
“Moneyslane are a good team and it was a tough game, as we expected.”
Looking ahead to their run-in, which starts with Saturday’s game against Windmill Stars, Forsythe added: “We have to play three of the top four in our last five fixtures, so the schedule is probably kinder to Crewe.
“But it is still very equal, and it could go to the wire. It is too early to be thinking about titles.
“Things can change in these remaining games. Our only focus is on Saturday’s next game against Windmill Stars. They beat us in the Premier Cup final.
“They are a physical team and well organised.”
Read more: Orangefield's Clarky Dempster reflects on "emotional" final day survival
Read more: That's What I Call Football podcast Season 4 Episode 29
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
