Haveron optimistic ahead of derby day

“I’m relishing the opportunity to steer my team in the match against Larne in what should be a tremendous atmosphere before a decent crowd at Seaview in the last match of the year. It should be a great occasion for everybody involved with both clubs,” said the Carrick Rangers manager, who was miffed at the way his team lost two points that were seemingly in the bag.

“The first-half had been very much a non-event against Lisburn Distillery on Saturday, but we came back out and were by far the better side in the second period.

“We eventually got the goal with about 10 minutes left; it was scant reward for Aaron Harmon who played a real captain’s innings and would not have been flattered in the least had he scored a hat-trick.

“But they snatched an equaliser in the dying seconds and I was very angry with how it came about. The referee blew Ryan McCann for a foul and, while he was booking our player, the ball rolled from where the foul had been committed five yards into our half, the guy then lifted the ball the moved it forward another bit.

“They played the ball up into our box and got the goal.

“I challenged the referee immediately after the game and ... I told him I will send him the match video to prove my case.”