CARRICK RANGERS: Haveron praises his side’s resolve

A David Cushley double had looked like it would pave the way for the Sky Blues’ third win on the bounce, but Rangers responded with a free-kick from Ryan Kane and a deflected Ben Roy equaliser.

“The spirit the boys showed was fantastic,” said Haveron, a former United player. “When you are two down against any Premiership club it’s very rare that you come back from that. But the boys showed great heart and determination and a bit of quality in the end to get the two goals.

“But I can’t help feeling disappointed that we weren’t two ahead before we were two down. Miguel Chines and Adam Dick both had chances to put us in front.

“We’re disappointed we got done with two long balls over the top; it’s basic defending. It’s not like Ballymena created too much or had to do anything to get their goals. Cushley’s first was a big punt over the top and they’ve scored from it.

“However, we showed good character to get something out of the game.”

Haveron admitted the signs are positive for Rangers after halting a run of five straight defeats in all competitions with the recent draw against David Healy’s Linfield. Carrick certainly built on that confidence-boosting result at Windsor with Saturday’s battling display against Ballymena.

“We’ve never lost belief in ourselves,” Haveron added. “Even when we weren’t getting the results we were still playing relatively well and creating chances. I think if you stop creating chances and are leaking goals at the back then it’s a concern. That hasn’t been the case for us. We have been creating a lot of opportunites; we just haven’t been taking them when they’ve come along.

“It’s nice to pick up a few results and put a few points on the board. It’s always going to bring a feel-good factor.”

Carrick welcome Dungannon Swifts on Saturday and Haveron insists they will be well-organised under Rodney McAree.

“Both teams are low in the table but it’s still very early doors to be worrying about six-pointers or anything like that,” he commented. “We certainly won’t be looking at it that way.

“We want to stay ahead of them in the table. They put in a good performance against the Blues and Rodney will have them well-drilled. He’s an excellent young coach and he was a fantastic footaller and I’m sure he will do a great job down there.

“But we’vegot to focus on ourselves and try and get as many points on the board as possible.

“We want to get our first home win in the league but we can’t keep on giving away sloppy goals .”