Lee Feeney 'not surprised' by Carrick's stunning form but backs his Bangor squad to respond from 'worst performance' last time out
After watching his Bangor team produce arguably their worst performance in his five-and-a-half-year stint in charge last time out – it is fair to say that Lee Feeney wants an improved showing at Carrick Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
The Seasiders were largely second best last weekend as they failed to lay a glove on Glenavon in a 3-1 home defeat, with Ben Arthurs’ late header the only silver lining from a miserable day.
It also proved to be a costly afternoon as defender Mark Haughey and midfielder Iestyn Hughes both required hospital treatment after two first half incidents.
January signing Hughes suffered a facial injury, whilst Haughey felt an issue with his heart. Thankfully, the club confirmed that both players had been discharged from hospital.
Whilst Bangor have lost five out of their last six Premiership contests, their opponents Carrick Rangers are on the crest of a wave.
After suffering a 7-0 loss to Glentoran on January 3, the response has been emphatic as Stephen Baxter’s men have lifted the County Antrim Shield, as well as entering the top-six of the Premiership thanks to accumulating 20 points out of a possible 24.
Whilst that run has raised a few eyebrows, it hasn’t shocked Feeney who has full faith his team can turn around their own fortunes.
He explained: “I'm not surprised at how well Carrick are doing.
"They've got players there who are the best in the league at what they do and nobody's been around the league better than Stephen Baxter.
"Good on them, credit to them and I admire them for that...but we will fancy ourselves going in.
"Even though we've had this real, probably the worst performance we've had in the five and a half years I've been here, I trust these boys.
"I really back them and I believe in them that we can bounce back from this."
Carrick and Bangor squared off at the start of the month as Feeney’s men were narrowly beaten 3-2.
When asked if it helps having that sense of familiarity, Feeney replied: “I think it depends on your mentality.
"I think some people get fed up whereas some people get driven for the next challenge."