Glentoran exited the County Antrim Senior Shield at the quarter-final stage on Tuesday night following a dramatic 5–4 penalty shoot-out defeat to Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue.

The holders came from behind to lead 2–1 through goals from Joe Thomson and MJ Kamara, but a late Carrick penalty took the game to spot-kicks, where the home side held their nerve to book a place in the semi-finals.

The Glens started on the front foot, with Dylan Connolly immediately making his presence felt on his first appearance of the season following suspension. Inside the opening minutes, he twice broke down the right flank with dangerous crosses that had the Carrick back line under early pressure.

Christie Pattisson came close to opening the scoring, cutting inside and curling an effort narrowly past the far post. The Glens continued to dictate play, but against the run of play Carrick took the lead on 38 minutes when Jimmy Callacher rose highest to head home from the hosts’ first corner of the night.

Ferris went down inside the area just before the break after a cross into the box, but the referee waved away strong appeals for a penalty.

Glentoran continued to dominate the ball after the restart, and on the hour mark were handed a route back into the game when Marcus Kane was brought down inside the area. Thomson stepped up and confidently converted from the penalty spot to level the score.

The turnaround was complete on 76 minutes when a superb delivery from Ciaran Coll found Kamara at the back post. The defender powered a header past the goalkeeper for his first goal in Glentoran colours to make it 2–1.

Carrick were awarded a penalty with eight minutes remaining when James Singleton was adjudged to have fouled his man in the box. Jack Scott stepped up to make it 2–2 and take the quarter-final tie to penalties.

The hosts converted all five of their spot kicks, with Kyle Cherry scoring the decisive effort. Glentoran’s opening penalty was saved, proving to be the difference on the night.

Full-Time: Carrick Rangers 2–2 Glentoran (Carrick win 5–4 on penalties)

Starting XI: Mills, Kelly, Kamara, Kane (c), Coll, Singleton, Palmer, Thomson, Pattisson, Connolly, Ferris.
Substitutes: Beimers, Fisher, Burt, Lindsay, Douglas, McEleney, Cooney