IRISH LEAGUE: Carrick need a lift admits boss Kieran Harding

The east Antrim boys have drifted into relegation territory, having picked up only four points from eight Danske Premiership starts.

With Dungannon Swifts primed to visit the Loughshore Hotel Arena on Saturday, Harding knows there is not better time to change the trend.

“Dungannon are a much improved team and have in inform striker in Andrew Mitchell, so it won’t be easy,” he warned.

“Ballinamallard’s form has picked up in recent weeks, so that has put a bit of pressure on the rest of us. Yes, it’s still early in the campaign, but we don’t want a gap to develop between us and the sides above us.

“Dungannon are also battling for points, so this is a massive match for both clubs.”

Rangers fell to a shock Shield defeat to PSNI in midweek . . . a result that Harding admits was ‘deserved’.

“They were better than us on the night,” he added. “We were coming off a tough league game against Linfield. A few of our boys looked a big leggy. I have to say the PSNI were worth the win.”

Harding is sweating on the fitness of a number of his squad, adding: “Seanna Foster is definitely out with a knee injury.

“I was hoping to have Paddy McNally available, but that may not be the case. We'll assess him on Saturday."