Rangers have chance to make history in Christmas showpiece

It’s been almost half a century since Carrick Rangers won their second Steel and Sons Cup final and that’s far too long, says current boss Gary Haveron whose team will get the opportunity to put that to right against The Welders in three weeks’ time.
Carrick Rangers pictured ahead of Friday evening's 2-0 win over Ards in the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final. Photo:Tony Hendron / Presseye.Carrick Rangers pictured ahead of Friday evening's 2-0 win over Ards in the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final. Photo:Tony Hendron / Presseye.
Carrick Rangers pictured ahead of Friday evening's 2-0 win over Ards in the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final. Photo:Tony Hendron / Presseye.

“I suppose it is a long time, right enough. But there will still be many supporters at Seaview on Christmas morning who were there the last time, and maybe a few of the players as well, when Carrick defeated Dundela in 1967,” he said.

“But I’m quite sure there will be a lot more in attendance again who watched as Rangers were beaten six years ago in the club’s first decider since that, when they lost to Ards.

“And I’m led to believe that there are rule changes imminent which will mean teams in Championship 1 will no longer be allowed to enter the Steel Cup, so it might well be one of a very few opportunities left for us to get out hands on the coveted old trophy.

“The two Steel Cup wins in the 1960s featured in the book released recently as part of the 75th anniversary of the club and it would be nice to win it again to start a new chapter of our history.

“A lot of people put countless hours of effort into the work that goes on unnoticed behind the scenes at a club like ours and the only reward they, like the supporters, really seek for their devotion to Carrick Rangers is to win some silverware - and this is a golden opportunity to bring some to Taylor’s Avenue,” he stressed.

Carrick are now bidding to overcome another knockout hurdle this weekend when Albert Foundry visit Taylor’s Avenue.

“The Irish Cup is very special to all the clubs, big and small, and we are no different,” added Haveron. “Anybody who is anybody wants to get a good run in the competition. And it starts with games at this time of year, against opposition like Albert Foundry.

“They always have quality players and that’s exemplified in the fact that Ian West is with them now. ‘Westy’, who played for us until last season, is a fine player and really nice guy.

“This is a potential banana-skin contest so we have to be wary of them.

“But we are entitled to be favourites to win and we will have to get rid of any possible hangovers from the semi-final success and get ourselves focused on the game.

“All talk of the big Christmas Day match is now banished until the games in between times have been played.”