Hughes ready to do battle with Bangor and Larne

To the casual observer, a cursory glance at the Championship One league table would suggest Carrick Rangers look a decent bet to pick up six points over the next five days against Bangor and Larne - the two teams in opposition currently propping up the rest. But Rangers boss Michael Hughes has warned there are no easy games and said his side will have to battle to get more precious points on the board.

“Anybody who knows even a little bit about the teams in this division will be well aware that there is not a big lot between the clubs which are perceived as the best team and the worst team in this league,” stressed Hughes.

“As a matter of fact, the last couple of results actually back up my argument: Larne, who are next to bottom of the table, travelled to Warrenpoint Town and beat them 3-0. Who would ever have seen that scoreline materialising? While Bangor were 2-1 winners over Loughgall in a crucial game for both of those clubs.

“We will have to be on our toes for this fixture on Saturday when we host a Bangor who are clearly fighting for their lives and will be desperate to avoid the drop. And, make no mistake about this, we will have to earn anything we get against them.”

Hughes said the same applies for the East Antrim derby which is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Inver Park.

“Larne are not going to be easily beaten. Their manager has signed a host of players in the transfer window; some of them switching from Taylor’s Avenue to Inver Park – and they will be out to prove a point, I’d imagine.

“So there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we will have to work our socks off and play our best football to get a win in either game, never mind both of them.

“However, having said all that, I can assure you that we will be going into both games determined to secure three points and I am very optimistic we will get results in these games.”