Stuart King says his players’ fighting spirit has given him hope despite Carrick Rangers’ poor start to the 2024/25 season.
The Carrick chief was stunned when Kirk Millar curled a spectacular free-kick into the net in the 97th minute to snatch a hard-earned point away from the shattered visitors at Windsor Park.
It was the latest setback for the former Linfield winger, whose side are the surprise basement club in the Premiership standings.
Millar’s touch of magic saw the Gers sink to a seventh consecutive League defeat, but King was encouraged by his players’ commitment to the cause.
Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King congratulates Linfield’s Kirk Millar after the forward’s late winner
“I’ve been critical of the boys privately because we haven’t defended the box very well, but at Linfield, we pressed them wide and they put plenty of balls into the box which we largely dealt with,” said the former Ballymena United ace.
“They had one or two free headers from set-plays, but defensively, we were outstanding and out on our feet.
“We just had to see it over the line and just fell the wrong side of it. It was horrible, it’s not nice and they didn’t deserve that, but all credit to them for going to the end.
“If they don’t take positives from that, then we will struggle.
“I thought they were phenomenal against Linfield – every player gave me everything.
“Our quality could be better, of course, but I genuinely thought the players gave it their all.”
Carrick Rangers striker Danny Gibson bids to retain possession under pressure from Linfield’s Josh Archer
Carrick will aim to turn the tide against Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Saturday.
The Swifts were top of the table for a while the previous weekend before ending up fourth in the standings.
It’s another tough test for the Gers, but King was able to turn to more experienced players against Linfield.
“Joe Crowe and Luke McCullough came off their sick beds, Seanan Clucas and Ben Tilney should not have played but they know the situation we are in,” he added.
“All credit to them, they put the boots on for me.
“Danny (Gibson) was back and, hopefully, Cameron (Stewart) can return this week, which is more bodies helping us to pick up a few points.
“All the teams can beat each other, and in our top v bottom game, we almost took a point off Linfield.”