We can pose problems for Ports, says Small

Ronnie McFall's team are no strangers to the East Antrim faithful, of course. Indeed, it will be the fifth time the sides have met in less than three years. And Carrick will head to mid-Ulster with revenge in mind, given that the last clash ended with a late winner for Portadown in the Irish Cup back in January.

"We know a bit about them because the Ports were in our league a couple of years ago and we always had great games against them – the best I think being when they edged us out 3-2 in a terrific encounter down at our place. It was really entertaining and I'd hope for more of the same in this clash," said Small.

"The thing about playing teams like Portadown is that you need to approach the game with a positive attitude. When I started as manager we had some good teams in our division, with Crusaders and Donegal Celtic as well as Portadown all having plied their trade here.

"At first I thought the crucial thing was trying to nullify their threat. But really it is about playing to our strengths and, while being mindful of their strong points, I believe we need to be going out and using our pace and attacking skills to try to get the better of them," he explained.

But, whatever awaits, Small and his men won't discover their knockout fate for more than three weeks – and a much more pressing engagement is coming up this Saturday when table-topping Carrick take on the big spenders of junior football, Harland & Wolff Welders. But they should hold no fear for Small's smooth-moving side.

Rangers moved to the top of the Championship One table via a convincing 3-0 victory over neighbouring Ballyclare Comrades at Taylor's Avenue last week.

"It's too early to be getting excited about being top of the table and it's not really a new experience either because we were at the head of affairs as well for a few weeks when I was in my second season as manager of Carrick. That said, it is much better than struggling for points at the other end of the table.

"It's definitely not going to be easy going to the Welders seeking a result. They have invested heavily in players but, no matter how much you spend or what players you get, it guarantees you nothing – because you need a little bit of luck as well.

"I went down to see them on Saturday and they were missing four of what I would call their better players for a variety of reasons and that's what I mean by getting a bit of luck. Had they been able to choose from a full squad, they may well have won three points but they had to settle for a point.

"But I have told my players that we will be asked some very different questions and will need to answer them all positively – such as bouncing back from the Larne defeat, rising to the occasion against Portadown, needing to win against Ballyclare when we are hot favourites and now going to a team like The Welders to keep our good run going. It's all part of the equation" added Small.