Safety is so nearly in Range

CARRICK Rangers boss David McAlinden was ecstatic following his team’s tense win over Warrenpoint Town at the Q Radio Arena.

The victory gave his team a chance to preserve their Premiership status and pushed battling Ballinamallard United through the relegation trap door.

Rangers, however, must still negotiate the two-legged promotion/ relegation play-off against Newry City.

“I’m thrilled for the boys, they deserved the win,” said McAlinden.

“But we don’t do things simply because we leaked a couple of goals which set up a tense finish.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance (to stay up). We’ll go away now and focus on what we have do against Newry to help us remain in this division.”

Rangers got off to the best possible start with Eamon McAllister firing them ahead before Darren Henderson struck a second.

Michael Smith then finished off a Ralph Kottoy cross which sealed the deal for Rangers.

Alan O’Sullivan pulled one back for the home team, capitalising on an error from Paddy McNally. Then Danny Wallace gave the Rangers a few late flutters by hitting his team’s second.

Ballinamallard racked up a 3-1 win over Glentoran at the Oval, but it still wasn’t enough to save them.

Sean Noble hit a double, with Ryan Curran also getting on the scoresheet. Callum Birney scored a late consolation for the Glens.

“It’s hard to accept (relegation), but I congratulate Davy McAlinden and his Carrick players,” said manager Harry McConkey.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players. They gave it their best, but it just wasn’t enough.”