harding hitsout at players

Carrick Rangers manager Kieran Harding heads off the Shamrock Park pitch on Saturday following defeat by 4-0 to Portadown. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

On an afternoon that proved one to forget for Harding on a personal note, it left Carrick on a single win from six Danske Bank Premiership dates.

The weekend reverse marked a first return to Portadown for Harding, who left Shamrock Park last season after over a decade as assistant boss.

Harding’s main post-match focus, however, turned from the individual to the collective as he searched for a way forward.

“We were second-best to everything from start to finish,” said Harding. “A result at this point in the season will obviously not decide anything but it was still a big one for us and the players did not seem to realise the enormity of the game.

“We need to get it sorted out quickly otherwise we will find ourselves in real trouble.”

Carrick will attempt to get back on track away to Coleraine this Saturday, with kick-off 3 o’clock.