Carrick aim to sink Whites and book spot in last sixteen

“There’s a place in the last 16 of the Steel and Sons Cup available to the winners and we are certainly taking this competition seriously - and so we should,” acknowledged Gers boss, Gary Haveron.

“The Whites are doing okay this season and have a good squad that is gradually settling in, so we will have to be very aware of their ability.

“It should be a good test because I have great respect for the managerial skills of Tommy Kincaid. He is well capable of guiding a team to victory in a match like this and has been there many times before.

“Nonetheless, we are playing very well and I would like to think we will win, especially now that we are back to Taylor’s Avenue where we feel very comfortable.”

Reflecting on his side’s 5-2 Championship 1 success at Wilgar Park, Haveron added: “It was a very satisfying win away to Dundela who are a very physical and big, strong side in terms of height as well. They made five or six changes from the team we beat in the League Cup, Michael Halliday one of the returning players.

“They have a very direct style of play, pumping the ball forward at every opportunity and hoping to win the dropping ball.

“We asked the players to go out and match them in terms of determination and physical attitude and they did that very well.”

Twice on the scoresheet was Carrick centre-back Ciaran Donaghy (inset) who promptly took to Facebook and dedicated both goals to his two kids.

“Fair play to him,” said Haveron. “The second baby only arrived during the week so he did well after a few sleepless nights to remain alert.

“He was delighted and said after the game that it’s the first time he has ever scored twice in a match.”

Added the Gers boss: “Our second goal was deemed an own goal, but I’m convinced Miguel Chines’ shot was going in anyway. We stressed at half-time, despite being 3-0 up, that the next goal was crucial and thankfully we got it through Conor McCloskey. But it didn’t prevent them from pushing on and getting two back - before we clinched it with a fifth.

“Looking back, our keeper Brian Neeson made a superb early save to prevent the Duns taking the lead and it was a very important stop.”