Having lost narrowly to Glenavon in their last outing, Stuart King’s men will be looking to get back on track at the Showgrounds.
As has been the story of their season, Rangers dominated in terms of chances created but failed to take them with the Lurgan Blues striking late on to capture the three points.
Just a couple of minutes were left on the clock when referee Chris Morrison awarded a contentious free-kick to the away side, allowing substitute Michael O’Connor to step up and fire the dead ball in off the crossbar.
It was a hard pill for the ‘Gers to swallow; they did not deserve to lose, especially in such a cruel fashion.
Looking at the positives, it was another encouraging performance throughout which will keep them upbeat and optimistic as they aim to return to winning ways.
Ballymena United are the next opponents and they too will be eager to bounce back from midweek disappointment.
Losing to Warrenpoint Town through an Alan O’Sullivan goal has put a dent in the Braidmen’s ambition of a seventh placed finish that would bring a place in the European play-offs.
If they are to have any chance of leapfrogging Glenavon in the little time left, nothing less than a win tomorrow afternoon will suffice.
However, the hope of a European adventure is still alive and well as David Jeffrey’s troops face Newry City in an Irish Cup semi-final on Tuesday night - the winners set to face Crusaders in the decider with Europa Conference League qualification on the line.
For the ‘Gers, though, it’s all about tomorrow’s game against a side they have enjoyed three wins from three against this campaign.
Jordan Gibson struck a late, late winner in the first clash at the start of October and then scored the only goal at the Warden Street fixture a month later.
In the most recent clash, David Cushley’s brace and a Ewan Kelly goal extended the winning run against the Sky Blues…
Admission
Tickets are available to purchase online, with the normal prices of £12 adults & £8 concessions applying.
Entrance for under 16’s is just £1 as part of a ‘Kids For A Quid’ promotion.
To buy tickets, click HERE.
Bus
The Spirit of ‘76 SC bus departs from the Loughview Leisure Arena at 1:45pm with prices of £7 members, £10 non-members & £5 under 16’s.
To reserve a seat, please email andy@carrickrangers.co.uk.
H2H Form (Last 5)
25/01/22 (H) // W 3-0 // Cushley (2), E. Kelly
20/11/21 (A) // W 1-0 // Gibson
02/10/21 (H) // W 2-1 // Gawne, Gibson
04/05/21 (H) // L 4-0 //
30/03/21 (A) // L 2-0 //
Officials
Referee: Shane Andrews
Assistant Referee: Gavin Hegarty
Assistant Referee: Bogdan Sfirloaga
4th Official: Peter McGrath
Let’s keep the support for the lads going… Amber Army!
