Marty Tabb's Cliftonville lost 3-1 at home to Institute

Cliftonville manager Marty Tabb has not given up on a top six place in the Irish League - despite seeing his side go 11 matches without a win.

With the Premier Division splitting at the end of March, mid-table clubs are scrambling for vital points.

But Cliftonville seem to have slipped out of contention after a depressing run of results.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Institute was Cliftonville's 11th league game without a win and they have taken just four points from a possible 33.

Worse still, the result at Solitude took Institute into the top six.

It looks like a straight fight between 'Stute and Lisburn Distillery to secure that top six slot for the 29 March breakaway.

But next Saturday Cliftonville could get back into contention as they are away to Distillery.

"If the players show a bit of character and fight there is a slim chance of us making it into the top six," said Tabb.

"We have to win our next three games and hope Institute drop some points.

"We were guilty of a poor defensive display on Saturday and I am not going to make excuses."

Tabb hopes to have key players George McMullan, Gerard Crossley, Mickey Donnelly and first choice keeper Paul Stranney back in the panel for Saturday's trip to New Grosvenor.