IRISH LEAGUE: Gers to play home games at Seaview

There have been waterlogging problems at Taylor's Avenue this season.

The Danske Bank Premiership outfit have come to an agreement with the Northern Ireland Football League and Crusaders and said it was ‘in the club’s best interests’ to play at the north Belfast ground.

Waterlogging at their Taylor’s Avenue pitch has caused a string of league and cup games to be postponed this season and Gary Haveron’s men have played just two matches on their own patch since October 31.

“The difficulties we have encountered at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena have been well documented and despite the best efforts of the countless numbers of volunteers and a significant financial investment, we have made a difficult decision, in the best interest of Carrick Rangers Football Club, to temporarily adopt Seaview as our home venue,” a Gers statement read.

“This will be a temporary switch while work continues to improve the pitch at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena. We appreciate the inconvenience this may cause some of our supporters in the short-term, and to try and mitigate this impact, the Spirit of ‘76 Supporters Club have kindly agreed to provide free transport to season ticket holders to make the short journey from Carrickfergus to Seaview.”

The following fixtures will be played at Seaview:

Carrick Rangers v Dungannon Swifts, Thursday, February 11 (7:45pm).

Carrick Rangers v Crumlin Star, Monday, February 15, (7:45pm).

Carrick Rangers v Warrenpoint Town, Friday, February 19 (7.45pm).