Harmon is targeting three points at Institute

Carrick Rangers midfielder Aaron Harmon (left) in action against Bangors Dom Melly.

The industrious midfielder has shown strong early-season form and, last time out, was handed the captain’s armband in the 2-2 draw with Bangor.

With the Gers picking up just two points from their last two games, nothing but a win will do against a capable ‘Stute outfit at Drumahoe.

Said Harmon: “I think we’ll approach this game like we do every other; we are going to go there and try to win it. We feel we are strong enough to win the league this year, but we really are trying to take it one match at a time.

“We played them in the final game of last season up there and they gave us a good hammering. They beat us 5-0 that day, so we know what they are about. They like to play good football, so we have just got to go there, get in their faces and hopefully come away with three points.”

Harmon, a real head down and get on with it character, is a bundle of energy at the heart of the Carrick team and each week he loves nothing more than walking over that white line to show what he can do.

“Football is a big part of my life; it’s everything to me, really,” he said. “I have been very happy here for the last four years and I always look forward to Saturdays and enjoy my training. I love pulling the Carrick shirt on and trying to play well.”

That kind of spirit, coupled with his hard-working style of play, has started to reap rewards for the 23-year-old. He has already popped up with a couple of goals this year, and was named captain in the draw with the Seasiders.

“Coming from 2-1 down, we showed good character to come back and get the point against Bangor. Originally, we went out to win the game but we’ll have to settle for it.

“Gary Haveron was injured, and I’m probably the longest-serving player at the club apart from Taggs (Glenn Taggart). I think that’s why the gaffer gave me the armband. I’m just trying to keep working hard and keep pushing on, but I was happy and proud to wear it.”

And while Harmon would love nothing more than to win his second Championship 1 title with the Gers, he knows it will be anything but straightforward.

“We knew from the start that it’s never going to be easy. There are no easy games in this league. That makes it hard for us but I think we’ve got the squad here and I think we are strong enough to win the league. We’ve just got to push on and hopefully stay in the mix.”