Saturday 8
April 2.30pm Kick off at Taylor's Avenue
Carrick Rangers 0 v Ballymoney United 3
Carrick Ranger’s miserable home run continued as Ballymoney United inflicted their fifth consecutive defeat at Taylor's Avenue.
Richard Reid (2) and David Gage did the damage for the visitors in a one-sided Championship clash on Saturday.
An early indication that Stephen Small’s side was in for a torrid afternoon was goalkeeper Gregg Shannon’s 3rd minute booking for handling the ball a fraction outside his 18-yard area whilst breaking up a Ballymoney attack.
Carrick might argue had Ciaran Boyd converted at the far post from Darren McNamee’s
flick-on three minutes later it would have been a different outcome.
But that would be to ignore recent statistics - conceding an average of three goals a game at home - and the rearguard’s weakness in the air. Shannon’s failure to deal with Liam Kearney’s clipped pass from the right in the 12th minute was punished by a six-yard line finish from Gage.
The visitors protected their advantage when goalkeeper Simon Smyth saved McNamee’s half-volley on the goal line and enjoyed a slice of good fortune after the Carrick midfielder sent a header against the crossbar midway through the first-half.
Reid doubled Ballymoney’s lead 10 minutes before the break with a composed finish at the far post from Trevor’s McLernon’s beautifully weighted centre.
Liam Kearney should have secured the points before the half-time whistle but sent his effort wide of the target after being teed up by Aidan O’Kane.
O’Kane was denied by Shannon’s fine reflex save minutes after the restart as Ballymoney remained buoyant.
The nearest Carrick came to reducing the deficit was a Chris Wilkinson header from a Gary Irwin corner which hit the side-netting and an in swinging attempt from Boyd which was hooked clear under the post by Ballymoney full-back Michael McQuitty.
Reid completed the victory in the 79th minute after beating Shannon in a race for possession before lobbing the ball from 20-yards over full-back Mark Watson to make it 3-0.
8
YELLOW CARDS 
RED CARDS 
