HEAD Coach Dean Shiels says the Bannsiders have worked extremely hard since last Saturday’s home clash against Portadown was postponed…

The Stripes were due to welcome the Ports to The Showgrounds in the Sports Direct Premiership but the game was called-off due to adverse weather conditions – a decision which Shiels says he understood and accepted.

Despite not being in action, Shiels says the players made good use of the time on the playing pitch and that his players are showing signs of progressing after completing half of the Premiership schedule so far.

Shiels also gave a squad update and signalled his intention of bringing in new recruits during the January transfer window.