David Healy has challenged Linfield to hit the ‘split’ as league leaders by taking maximum points from their last two regular season games.
The Blues have won four on the bounce since suffering a 1-0 defeat to Big Two rivals Glentoran - who lie three points below them in second - on February 11.
And Healy is eager to make it six from six when they follow up today’s home clash with Dungannon Swifts with a trip to Warrenpoint Town next Saturday.
Read more: That's What I Call Football podcast S4 episode 26
“I gave the players a target after the Glentoran game to win our remaining six games before the league splits into the top six and bottom six,” he said.
“That’s four wins in a row now, so we are two thirds of the way there.
“If we can make it six from six, it would put us in a good position heading into the last five games after the split.
“There might be a few more twists and turns to come but we’ve kept ourselves in and around where we want to be in the league table.
“With the season entering the final stages, players will have to show that we are a good team and hopefully we can have a successful climax to the season.”
While Dungannon lie ninth in the table and have already lost 3-0 and 6-1 to the Blues this season, Healy is taking nothing for granted against Dean Shiels’ men.
The Swifts have won five of their last 10 league games and were only narrowly beaten 1-0 by Mick McDermott’s Glens last weekend.
“Dungannon games are always tough games and they’re awkward games,” said Healy. “They’re fighting in and around an area they don’t want to be and they’re also in good form.
“I’ve watched them recently and in Dean they have a young coach who wants to play in the right way so we know exactly what to expect.”
Linfield head into today’s game boosted by last week’s dramatic 3-2 win over Crusaders.
Just as the champions looked to be dropping two crucial points in the title race, substitute Ethan Devine popped up with a last gasp header to seal a memorable win.
“It was an enjoyable finish and a credit to the players,” said Healy. “I emptied the bench, we kept going and successful teams do that.
“Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic in their heyday go to the final whistle and we showed that mindset.
"Winning the game was a massive shot in the arm.”
Read More: The Liam Boyce hand-me-downs that helped Joe Gormley seal cup glory
Read More: Mark Sykes named in Republic of Ireland squad for Belgium and Lithuania games
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
