Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Gary Haveron recalls 'incredible' last-day survival with Carrick

Gary Haveron says he will never forget the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced with Carrick Rangers' last-day survival heroics back in 2016.

Carrick preserved their top-flight status thanks to an incredible injury time goal from Miguel Chines to beat Ballinamallard United 2-1.

Former manager Haveron spent three years at the helm from 2013-16, and says the survival success remain a highlight in his career.

"I had an unbelievable time at Carrick and really enjoyed it," Haveron told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.

"I was thrust into the deep end, but I brought in players like Barry Johnston who was like a player coach. His experience was second to none.

"We had a successful first year, but the second year for me was more enjoyable. Staying in the Premier League with the budget we had.

"We had a really good group of players. We are still in a WhatsApp group. And staying up on the final day of the season was incredible."

Carrick's game against fellow relegation battlers Ballinamallard had been billed as 'Survival Saturday' back in 2016.

The Mallards drew first blood when Ivan Sproule broke the deadlock, with Whitey Anderson's side looking on course to beat the drop.

Carrick hit back in the 89th minute through Mark Surgenor's equaliser, which would have seen the club go into a relegation/promotion play-off.

Miguel Chines celebrates Carrick's survival (Andrew Paton/Press Eye.com)

But with seconds remaining, Chines produced an incredible overhead kick in injury time to seal a dramatic late win - and ensure Carrick's Premiership survival.

"Miguel Chines' overhead kick in the last minute was unbelievable.," Haveron said.

"At 88 minutes we were relegated. At 90 we were in a play-off. And on 94 minutes we were staying up.

"And 95 minutes we had a beer in our hands."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.