King 'hasn't slept for weeks' as Carrick's winless run continues

Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King has admitted he has not "slept for weeks" due to his side's run of form.

The Taylors' Avenue outfit are bottom of the table after a 4-1 defeat by Ballymena on Tuesday extended their winless run in the league to six.

"I'm getting it tight. I'm trying to hold down a family and a career.

"I'm not stupid. We have to win games of football and that's what I'm going to be judged on."

Aaron Jarvis netted the opener for Ballymena inside two minutes and Daniel Lafferty doubled their advantage.

Steven Gordon pulled a goal back for Carrick, and both sides hit the woodwork before Ben Kennedy scored two late penalties to secure the win for Ballymena.

"At the minute, we're not getting any rub of the green and things are going against us," King said after the defeat.

"Someone has a voodoo doll against us - probably me - but I can look myself in the mirror and say I'm giving it everything, probably to the detriment to my family but it's not going away.

"It all falls on me. I'm the manager. I'm a proud man. I'm big and strong enough to deal with anything that comes my way but I need to look after myself, my family and the people who are important to me.

"When the chips are down, you see who's your mate - and " need to look after myself a bit."

King's side travel to face title challengers Linfield on Saturday and he has reiterated his belief that his team are stronger than their form suggests.

"I genuinely believe when we have everyone fit and available, we are a top seven team. I genuinely believe that.

"We showed that last year but at the minute it's not happening and I take responsibility for that."