Glentoran’s hero from Wednesday night’s win over Linfield, Gary Hamilton had to sit this one out today, still suffering the ill effects of his toe injury.

Elliott Morris was out for the pre-match warm-up but he also wasn’t 100% so Aaron Hogg came in to replace him in the Glentoran goal. Skipper Colin Nixon and forward Andy Waterworth both were declared fit, Nixon taking his usual place at the heart of the defence with Waterworth named amongst the Glentoran substitutes.

In both previous meetings this season Glentoran have started well and today was no different. With just 4 minutes played Jim O’Hanlon was fouled on the edge of the area and Richard Gibson curled the free-kick into the top corner. Gibson should have made it two on 8 minutes when he was found by a great through ball from Ciaran Martyn.  Maros Valko in the Carrick goal was quickly off his line and did enough to keep Gibson out. A snap shot from the edge of the area by O’Hanlon (12) was just wide whilst at the other end a speculative effort from former Seconds player, Paul McDowell was easily dealt with by Hogg. On 19 minutes Darren Boyce was fouled on the edge of the area. It was virtually an identical position to where Gibson scored Glentoran’s opener. The big striker stepped up again but this time was unable to keep his effort on target. Jim O’Hanlon went close again on 24 minutes after being set up by Stephen Carson but his shot went straight at the keeper. Just before the half hour Carrick Rangers drew level with a bizarre goal. A Kevin Lynch cross from the right wasn’t dealt with by Hogg and his attempted clearance hit Sean Ward on the back and trickled into the net. Both teams struggled to create anything meaningful as the first half drew to a close, however right on the whistle referee, Marshall awarded Carrick a free-kick on the edge of the area following what looked like an accidental challenge by Carson. Paul McDowell took responsibility and drove the ball low into the far corner to give the ‘home’ side the advantage at the interval.

Scott Young made two changes prior to the second half getting underway, introducing Waterworth and Beggs for Boyce and O’Hanlon. Glentoran thought they’d levelled things up on 49 minutes. Colin Nixon played the ball into the area and Ciaran Martyn was unlucky to see his header crash off the bar. The ball fell to Richard Gibson and he smashed it home only to have it ruled out for offside. McDowell came close again for Carrick on 53 minutes from another free-kick but this time Hogg saved down by his right hand post. On 65 minutes Glentoran won a free kick in an advanced position on the right side. Sean Ward took it and when the ball was returned to him his cross into the box was headed home by Colin Nixon. 3 minutes later the Glens should have been given the chance to go ahead from the spot. Richard Gibson was blatantly pushed in the box but referee Marshall waved play on. Given the penalty award against them a week ago, the Glentoran supporters were understandably frustrated. The Glens did go in front on 76 minutes. Another throw in by Ward on the right reached Ciaran Martyn and he flicked the ball home from close range. The lead lasted just 2 minutes though. Martyn was adjudged to have handled the ball on halfway and the resulting free kick found Paul Heatley on the edge of the area. The young Carrick player controlled the ball well and his shot was too good for Aaron Hogg. With 4 minutes remaining a Carson corner found Gibson but his header flashed wide. Colin Nixon’s header forced Maros Valko to tip the ball over for a corner with 2 minutes remaining and then in stoppage time the keeper again came to Carrick’s rescue, denying Jason Hill.

Glentoran: Hogg, Ward, Hill, Nixon (capt), Callacher, Howland, Martyn, O’Hanlon, Carson, Gibson & Boyce.
Subs: Waterworth & Beggs for O’Hanlon & Boyce (46) and Taylor for Ward (85).

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