EXTRA-TIME with Ciaran Donaghy

THE Championship 1 title race is looking like it is going to be one of the most keenly contested in many a year.

In my opinion there are five teams who realistically will have ambitions of being crowned champions and if we are to take the title then we can ill-afford any more results like the weekend’s defeat against Dundela.

Saturday’s result knocked us off top spot, to be replaced by promotion rivals Institute. It will also have given some impetus to Dundela, as well as to Bangor and Knockbreda, who are still in with a shout of the title as they have games in hand. Those games obviously have to be won and with some of them against the other teams in the top five, points will be taken off each other, not to mention that there are other teams in the division who are capable of taking points off anybody on their day. I’m sure there will be a few twists and turns yet, and there is still a lot to play for.

Saturday’s game always felt like one goal was going to win it and unfortunately for us, Dundela got it. They managed to stop us from scoring for the first game in as long as I can remember.

I travelled to Dublin after the game for a couple of nights away with my wife and journeys like that always seem to be longer after a loss!

We’ve no game this weekend so it’ll be a couple of weeks before we’re back in action again and hopefully it won’t be too long now before a return to Taylor’s Avenue is on the cards. I’m hearing that work on the new changing facilities is nearing completion and it’ll be great to finally step back out at Taylor’s in what has been a long and difficult period for the club.

I have only played one competitive home game there - the 2-2 draw with Bangor back in September, so it’s long overdue and I’m sure the fans will welcome it as much as the players.

Finally, I have been lucky enough to be named the Spirit of ‘76 Supporters Clubs Player of the Month for February. I would like to thank everyone that voted for me.

Because of injuries, it’s probably been three or four years since I last picked up any such award, so it means a lot and I’m delighted and very grateful for the recognition.

Ciaran Donaghy

Read our match report of Carrick’s 1-0 defeat to Dundela here