IRISH LEAGUE: Carrick Rangers manager Kieran Harding up for Ballinamallard United encounter

A Miguel Chines goal secured the three points against the Glens and Harding expects another hard day at the office.

“It promises to be yet another huge game,” the Carrick boss admitted.

“But we now have our first win, a clean sheet and three points on the board, which makes me a very happy, not to mention relieved, manager.

“Hopefully we can kick on from here. It was a fantastic defensive and team performance.”

And the Rangers boss – whose squad was radically changed during the summer – is happy with the start they have made to their league campaign.

“We always knew it was going to be a difficult start with Glenavon, Crusaders and Glentoran,” admitted Harding.

“But we also needed these tough games to try to bed in as a team with all the new players we have at the club.

“Against Glenavon in the opening game, we had 10 players who had not featured against them the last time the teams met and in the second half we looked it.

“In the Crusaders game, we gelled a bit better and there was just a goal in it until we had a man sent off.

“But against Glentoran we produced a superb team performance and we got the result and now we must face Ballinamallard.

“It is another tough test, but every game is going to be difficult this season.”