Gibson opened the scoring on 11 minutes, after a corner was headed back across goal by Carrick skipper Luke McCullough for the striker to poke home. Six minutes later, Gibson turned provider, clipping a ball over the Annagh defence for Paul Heatley to run on to and slot past Annagh keeper Joel Little. It was 3-0 for Carrick on 30 minutes after a long throw from Joe Crowe pinballed around the penalty area, Gibson again there to finish past the keeper. A fine first half display was completed on 41 minutes, Gibson racing on to a powerful Joe Crowe header from an Annagh goal kick to hammer home and complete his hat-trick.

Following the break, Annagh responded with Lee Upton heading home from a long throw, before Paul Heatley picked up a loose ball in the box to slot home and restore ‘Gers 4-goal lead. Annagh struck back though late on, a fine curling free-kick finish from Craig Taylor in the 96th minute.

‘Gers boss Stephen Baxter was both pleased and frustrated with the performance on Tuesday evening, pleased to score five goals and put the performance in that his side did, but frustrated not to take more of the chances created, and with the mistakes made to concede two goals.

With the prize of a place in the Sports Direct Premiership in 2025/26 at stake, Baxter and squad know the job is only half complete. Your support on Friday night at Taylors Avenue would help massively in roaring the ‘Gers over the line. 

To join the Amber Army on Friday, you can find information for ticketing arrangements below.