Haveron the happier of two bosses after derby success

Carrick boss Gary Haveron was the happier of the two managers as his side edged past Eddie Hill’s Ballyclare in Saturday’s derby.
Ballyclare striker Chris Trussell is closely watched by Carrick's Daniel Kelly.Ballyclare striker Chris Trussell is closely watched by Carrick's Daniel Kelly.
Ballyclare striker Chris Trussell is closely watched by Carrick's Daniel Kelly.

Haveron was moving with a bit of a swagger as he headed out of Taylor’s Avenue on Saturday but his team definitely could have shown more guile in the final third against an understrength Comrades side.

“It should have been more convincing because Conor McCloskey missed a couple of good chances in the first half which would have left us more comfortable than 1-0 at the break,” admitted Haveron.

“But Adam Dick killed it off with a clincher and it was great to see him playing so well and getting on the scoresheet.

“Having Adam shaken off all his injury problems, leaves us feeling like we have a new striker, so it is really great. And I was very pleased that young Michael McKenna got a debut 90 minutes and performed so well.”

Reflecting on the six-match losing sequence in league and cup competitions, Ballyclare boss Hill pointed to a long injury list, with Kyle Agnew, Andrew Doyle, Simon McGowan, Chris Getty and Andrew Simpson all sidelined.

The Reds now face a Tommy Kincaid’s Distillery, a team unbeaten in their last three league games. However, a much-needed win would bring the Dixon Park men within a point of the Whites.

“Thankfully, Chris Getty has resumed light training and may be fit for Saturday’s visit of Distillery,” he said.

“The lads are hurting. They know that they don’t deserve to be towards the bottom of the table and they are hungry for a win.

“But heads are definitely not down and they just can’t wait to get going against Distillery this weekend.

“Hopefully we will get a morale-boosting win under our belts on Saturday.”

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