IRISH LEAGUE: Carrick Rangers boss Kieran Harding craves three points

Carrick Rangers manager Kieran Harding is sure his team can see out matches and get points on board in the coming weeks.
Carrick Rangers boss Kieran HardingCarrick Rangers boss Kieran Harding
Carrick Rangers boss Kieran Harding

Harding’s men face Ballymena United at home on Friday night after drawing 3-3 with Ballinamallard United last Saturday after leading 3-1.

But Harding is sure they have no problem of seeing out games.

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“The only thing I’ll say is, first of all I hope it is not as issue, but last week we beat Glentoran 1-0 and we saw that out,” he said.

“We don’t see that it’s a problem for us, we just have to learn from our mistakes and manage the games out. Last week we did that, this week we didn’t.

“Ballinamallard scored early on and then it was total domination by us.

“We were solid defrensively and created numerous opportunities. When you’re leading the game 3-1 with seven or eight minutes to go you have to manage it out.

“We’re bitterly disappointed and frustrated.”

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And Ballymena boss David Jeffrey will have put his players through their paces in training this week after a 4-3 defeat to Ards at the Showgrounds last Saturday.

And Jeffrey says defensive errors have cost his side dearly.

“The players are well looked after but the reality is they have got to do it on the pitch.

“They have got to do it week in, week out on the pitch. That is the challenge and that is learning for me as I have to insure there is a level of consistency that brings us results every week.

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“Not sometimes this week and then sometimes another week. It will be a journey and we are only four games into it.

“The errors against Ards were so simple. Stop a cross and if the cross comes in - mark your man.

“And that is not berating the players, or having a go at them, or criticising them in public. I am learning about them and they are learning about me. It is about us going forward together and learning together,” he added.