Mills: We have no problem with early fixtures frenzy

Carrick's assistant-manager, Steven Mills.

The new season is only a week old on Saturday and it will bring participation for Carrick Rangers in a third different competition!

Given a hectic pre-season schedule, the Taylor’s Avenue management could be forgiven for not having much chance to get the lowdown on Newcastle FC - Saturday’s opponents in the first round of the Steel and Sons Cup.

And it wasn’t helped by Tuesday’s League Cup trip to Coagh United when Carrick emerged as 3-1 winners at Hagan Park.

“We will address the Steel Cup business on Thursday,” Carrick’s assistant-manager, Steven Mills said earlier this week. “We have a few guys who have good Amateur League experience and we know others who are up to speed with the game at that level, so we will be planning ahead for the trip to the Mournes at training then.”

“Some people might not be pleased to have all these competitions going on at the same time, but we have no problem with the fixture list. The league is obviously first and foremost in terms of importance, it’s our bread and butter. But we couldn’t wait to get the season started and we are happy to now have them coming at us thick and fast.”

Second-half goals from Ryan Kane and Graeme Arthur saw Carrick defeat Donegal Celtic on Saturday - all without the services of summer signings Aidan Watson, Miguel Chines and Kyle Cherry.

“We were delighted to get three points from the first league game and it wasn’t easy against a Donegal Celtic team which came down here with a game plan,” added Mills.

“We made some tactical changes at half-time, bringing Ryan Kane from wide into the middle and he responded by getting a goal on his debut.

“Even after having a man sent off, Donegal Celtic maintained their challenge and we needed the second goal to make us feel relatively comfortable.

“This Saturday’s game will be a big one for Newcastle. They will want a big scalp and will prove dangerous opponents but they will be given the respect they deserve. However, we will be going down there to win the game.”