Carrick aim to bag a North Down double

Fresh from a very important 1-0 league victory over one half of the North Down ‘Big Two’, Gary Haveron is anxious to repeat the feat against the neighbours from Bangor in the Steel and Sons Cup this weekend.
Carrick Rangers' Miguel Chines celebrates after scoring his sixth goal of the season to secure all three points in the league game against Ards. INCT 39-219-GRCarrick Rangers' Miguel Chines celebrates after scoring his sixth goal of the season to secure all three points in the league game against Ards. INCT 39-219-GR
Carrick Rangers' Miguel Chines celebrates after scoring his sixth goal of the season to secure all three points in the league game against Ards. INCT 39-219-GR

“It was certainly far from easy against Ards on Saturday but I thought we just about deserved to secure all three points. And now it would be tremendous if we could build on that by getting the better of Bangor to reach the last eight of the Steel Cup,” said the confident Carrick Rangers boss.

“Bangor beat Lisburn Distillery 3-2 on Saturday in the league and are sitting up with ourselves at the business end of the table.

“They have a very impressive set-up at Clandeboye Park and we will be asked some serious questions. But, if we continue to answer them as we have done so far, then I would be optimistic that we will be in the hat for the last eight.

Haveron concedes Ards provided a stiff test at Taylor’s Avenue on Saturday but said his men were worthy of the win.

“We were solid throughout and looked every bit as good as the title favourites, who have more staff than we have players and arrived in a big luxury coach, which shows how well geared resource-wise they are to secure success.

“We got the win at 1-0 and banked three points which could prove crucial come the end of the season. And we did it without Aidy O’Kane, missing for family reasons, and the injured duo of Aaron Harmon and Aidy Watson, both of whom could well be available for selection against Bangor, I’m glad to say,” added the Carrick manager.

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