After losses to Cliftonville and Glentoran in cup and league, the ‘Gers were put out of the County Antrim Shield by Dundela just four days ago.
Ex-Carrick manager Niall Currie masterminded a 4-1 win for his Championship side, leaving Carrick in need of a response in this outing against the Swifts.
The first half got off to a quiet start, though Stuart King’s lads did get on top and eventually took the lead on 24 minutes.
From within the box, Emmett McGuckin dinked a cross to his left and found strike partner Curtis Allen who cushioned a header into the far corner of the net, giving ‘keeper Dwayne Nelson no chance.
Dungannon grew into the game as it continued and created a number of chances in a matter of minutes.
First, tricky winger Rhyss Campbell drifted in from the right wing and skipped past a few players, but his resulting shot was blocked by Steven Gordon who did well to get across.
Skipper Ryan Mayse then found himself one-on-one with Ross Glendinning from ten yards; the shot-stopper coming out on top by saving with his chest.
King would have wanted his team to push on after the break and they did just that by grabbing a second goal eight minutes into the second half.
A counterattack was led by Ben Tilney who raced down the left and centered the ball for the lurking Allen to convert past Nelson, ensuring his second brace of the season.
The result was wrapped up in the 77th minute, an Andy Mitchell corner skimming off the head of Garry Breen to find the net.
It could have been four quickly after as Tilney this time raced through on goal, Nelson denying his near-post attempt.
The visitors’ woes were compounded towards the end when Mayse was shown a yellow card for a needless foul and sent off.
For Carrick, however, it was a perfect result with three goals scored, none conceded and more vital points put on the board.
Carrick Rangers: Glendinning; Glendinning, Ervin, Gordon; Forsythe, Cushley (Cherry, 67), Mitchell (Gillen, 89), Tilney (Surgenor, 89); Anderson (Kalla, 74); McGuckin (McKiernan, 89), Allen.
Unused substitutes: Stewart, Gawne.
Dungannon Swifts: Nelson; McGinty, Breen, Marron, O’Kane (Coyle, 60); Campbell, Barr, Ruddy (Knowles, 60), Walsh (O’Connor, 60); Mayse; McCready (Gallagher, 72).
Unused substitutes: Dunne, Cushnie, Animasahun.
Referee: Chris Morrison
