Carrick Rangers Shield success a timely warning for Coleraine

Coleraine - take the impending Irish Cup tie away at Carrick Rangers at your peril.

For the newly crowned County Antrim Shield winners have reminded everyone just how tough they are to beat in cup competitions.

The east Antrim club held their nerve to defeat fancied Cliftonville in Tuesday night's final at Seaview, lifting the famous old trophy for the first time in over three decades.

Along the way, Stephen Baxter's team defeated Bangor in their opening match before shoot-out victories over title contending Glentoran and league leaders Larne.

It's a pretty impressive CV, particularly given Carrick Rangers' lowly league position, currently occupying the relegation play-off spot in 11th place.

But the midweek trophy success has injected fresh confidence into a team laden with experience and who now have their sights set on a positive second half of the season.

"We said before the game that there are only four trophies available and for Carrick Rangers to win one of them is unbelievable," captain Luke McCullough told BBC Sport NI.

"The fans have come out and it's very special for the club. It's a special night for everyone here and Carrick as a town.

"Carrick haven't won a trophy in my lifetime and hopefully it can kick start our season a bit more.

"We've got some really good players here and we've shown that in the final.

"We're more than a match for most teams in the league and hopefully we get the results to show for it on a more regular basis," he added.

Carrick Rangers are due to host Coleraine in the sixth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup at Taylor's Avenue on Saturday February before playing them again in the league a week later.