Stephen Baxter ‘devastated’ after Portadown’s late equaliser against Carrick Rangers

Carrick Rangers are currently experiencing a four-game streak without a victory in the league. Stephen Baxter, the manager of Carrick Rangers, expressed that he was “devastated” following Portadown’s equaliser in the closing moments of their match at Shamrock Park. An early advantage for Carrick was established by a Shay McCartan own goal, which they maintained until the final kick of the game. A deflected shot from McCartan subsequently secured a point for the Ports. Baxter, however, felt his team’s display warranted a full three points, lamenting the opportunities they failed to convert. “I’m devastated, last kick of the game and we will blame ourselves in many regards because we should have been five to the good such as the chances we have missed here,” he informed BBC Sport NI. “We should have been four up at half-time and we missed a few in the second half.” “We restricted Portadown to nothing until the shot at the end and it flicks off one of players’ shoulders and flies the other way, you can’t legislate for that, that is football.” Despite earning only a single point, Baxter described his side’s performance as “the best it’s been” since his arrival at the club. “That is a cruel way to draw a game, but we’ll take nothing away from our performance today,” he added. “Everyone working so hard for each other, the quality, the movement, we were magnificent, and you can be pleased with that.”