Big week

League leaders Banbridge visit Comber Road on Saturday sitting just four points ahead of their hosts, who have a game in hand. After that, Garvey host the much-anticipated Kirk Cup final against Annadale on Boxing Day.

Lutton doesn’t think a win over Bann on Saturday would secure the league just yet.

“The league won’t be done and dusted this weekend but there is a lot riding on this game,” he said,

“There’s still a long way to go and I think this talk of it being winner takes all is a bit premature. There are a lot of good teams in the league and we’ll be respecting all of them.”

It’s the second time the top two have met in the league. Banbridge won the first encounter 2-1 at Havelock.

Lutton said: “Banbridge are a really good side who have started the season well but so have we. Banbridge have a bit of an advantage, having won the first game between the sides but both teams will be going for the win on Saturday. There’ll be no caution.

“Having looked at that game again, there wasn’t much between the teams. Banbridge took their chances but in the back of our minds, we knew we’d have the chance to play them again.”

Just five days later, Garvey take on Annadale in the Kirk Cup decider looking to go one better than last year when they were beaten 3-1 in the final by Cookstown.

“Annadale had a good win over Banbridge in the semis so this will be tight,” said Lutton.

“We have a few guys with niggles but we’re hoping they’ll be fit on Saturday and will hold up for Boxing Day. The squad we have will be good enough to be competitive.”