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Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Newry City and Warrenpoint Town show class amid contrasting fortunes

Newry City and Warrenpoint Town have shown their class amid contrasting fortunes for the two clubs.

Warrenpoint's relegation from the Premiership was confirmed on Tuesday night despite beating Ballymena United 1-0.

Portadown's goalless draw with Dungannon Swifts leaves Barry Gray's side seven points adrift at the bottom with just two games to play.

Read more: Irish Premiership RECAP as Linfield and Cliftonville earn away wins

They will play in the Championship next season, a division where Newry all but secured their promotion from after Tuesday's 3-0 win over Harland and Wolff Welders.

That result - coupled with Annagh United's draw with Dergview - leaves Darren Mullen's side six points clear at the top with just two games remaining.

They boast a 15-goal advantage over nearest rivals Annagh, all but securing their return to the top-flight following a three-year absence.

After Tuesday night's games, Newry were quick to send their commiserations to their derby rivals, while Warrenpoint director Connaire McGreevy sent his congratulations in the opposite direction.

Newry tweeted: "Our commiserations are with our neighbours @thepointfc on their relegation from the Premiership.

"We know only too well what it feels like but it is a testament to the people of the club that they are still sending us messages of congratulations, very much appreciated."

The Showgrounds club added: "Hopefully we are able to finish our job in our last two games & we will be reunited sooner rather than later for another Mourne Ultimatum."

Warrenpoint official McGreevy tweeted: "Congrats to all at our local neighbours @NewryCityAFC on winning the Championship and promotion back to the Premiership.

"Good to see Premiership football still in Newry & Mourne for 22/23 and hopefully the return of the Mourne Ultimatum as a Premiership fixture in 23/24."

Newry can confirm their top-flight return this Saturday when they travel to Ballinamallard United in their penultimate Championship game.

They will round off their league season at home to Dergview on April 30.

Warrenpoint's two remaining Premiership fixtures are against Dungannon Swifts (April 23) and Glenavon (April 30) - both games are away from home.

Read more: Blackpool FC striker Shayne Lavery surprises Belfast football kids after match

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