Newry City have conceded just 22 goals across 28 matches in the Championship and Irish Cup this season – a defensive record that Glentoran will have to crack in the cup quarter finals.
Darren Mullen’s side are flying high – eight points clear at the top of the Championship and the division’s only side remaining in the Irish Cup.
Their fine defensive record was recognised by Noel Healy winning the Championship’s Player of the Month award, as voted for by the NIFWA.
Healy told Match on Tuesday after his side beat Ards in Friday night’s Irish Cup tie: “It was really important to keep our winning run going.
“We had beaten Ballinamallard and Dundela in back-to-back league games and you just want to get in that spell of form.
“Beating Warrenpoint in the last round was a really big victory for us to show where we are at and what we can do, so we were delighted to get past Ards too.
“Glentoran in the next round is a super draw for us too, we are looking at it as a bit of a free hit.
“All the pressure is on the Glens, they are top of the league and expected to win the trophies they are in.
“We are going there to play our game and show what we can do – we knew we can give a good account of ourselves and confidence is high.”
Newry have conceded just five goals across their last 10 matches and it is their ability to keep opponents out that has propelled their promotion push this season.
“We defend as a team – its not just the back four that deserves credit for that record,” Healy continued.
“We defend from the front – the forward tracks back and the wingers do too, we are never overloaded in our defence.
“The important thing is that we talk to each other and the communication is there from the backline out.
“The central defenders marshal it but we all speak to one another and makes it easier for everyone.
“When you have those defensive numbers and the likes of Daniel Hughes, James Teelan and John McGovern (circled) in attack is really important.”
Healy, 22, has become an increasingly important player for Mullen’s side since his switch from Donegal Celtic four years ago.
Winning January’s Player of the Month award was his first time receiving the award and its indicative of the bright future he has in the game.
“Winning the individual awards is great and I really appreciate it being recognised,” the full-back added.
“But as with any player, it’s the league winners medal that I’ve got my eye on now and that’s what we all want.
“We have everything in place to make the step up again to the Premiership; the fans have been brilliant this season and the city has really come together to get behind us.”
