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Steven Crawford

Dean Shiels hoping for some home comfort in Premiership survival bid

Dean Shiels is hoping Dungannon Swifts can use their home advantage to preserve their Premiership status.

The Swifts head into Thursday night's second leg of the promotion/relegation play-off aiming to turn around a one-goal deficit against Annagh United.

While Shiels was frustrated by his side's performance in Tuesday night's first leg he feels they can make things right at Stangmore Park.

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"Tuesday night was just as important as Thursday but we now have an objective," he said.

"We know we're behind in the tie, at least we're at home in our familiar surroundings.

"The pitch is bigger and wider so hopefully we'll find the spaces better.

"We looked lethargic and one-paced in the first leg, I didn't see any urgency or anyone taking responsibility, we looked flat.That has got to change for Thursday."

Shiels will still be without a number of key personnel but he says they just have to get on with it.

"It's going to be really tough to have anyone else back," he said.

"We had the three teenagers in midfield and it's difficult.

"We lacked that bit of guile and composure that the likes of James Knowles and Bruna can bring.

"We lacked that bit of quality that a Rhyss Campbell, a Darragh McBrien or a Caolan Marron can bring.

"I think the quality was poor and we need to find it, it's there we just need to bring it out on Thursday.

"There's no time for excuses or looking at the build up, it's the same for both teams we just have to get on with it."

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