Carrick Rangers moved one step closer to silverware with an East Antrim Derby win on penalties against Larne on Tuesday evening. The historic feat marks Rangers' first appearance in the County Antrim Shield Final since they won the title during the 1992/93 season. Larne meanwhile came into the meeting as perennial favourites in the tournament, having appeared in the Final each of the past five seasons, claiming four consecutive Shield wins, until they lost to Glentoran in last season’s Final.
The match at Taylors Avenue was played in cold and blustery conditions, and was quite evenly matched for most of the 90 minutes, with the home side slightly ahead on chances. Carrick went into the half-time break with a slender 1-0 lead thanks to Adam Lecky’s goal. The big striker put Carrick ahead in the 35th minute connecting with a cross from Matthew Snoddy. Early in the 2nd half Lecky nearly repeated his success, but was unable to connect with a cross from Danny Gibson. Larne evened the score not long after with defender Ryan Nolan heading in on 53 minutes. With nothing separating the sides and a penalty shoot-out looming, Carrick Rangers Manager Stephen Baxter made a strategic move to bring in regular starting goalkeeper, Nathan Gartside, despite a strong 90 minute performance by Scott Pengelly.
Baxter's strategy paid off for Rangers, although not without some tense moments for the Carrick faithful. Jack Scott matched Larne's opening strike, with Larne edging ahead as both Joe Crowe and Danny Gibson’s efforts were saved by Inver 'keeper, Rohan Ferguson. With no room for error, Nathan Gartside made two brilliant saves to keep Carrick in the contest, while Aidan Steele and Paul Heatley connected to even the shootout and force the outcome to be decided by sudden death. History didn't have to wait much longer, with the winning strike for Rangers being hit by Jimmy Callacher.
Following the celebration, the Gaffer praised Adam Lecky's first 90 minute performance after returning to the side from injury and was pleased that the team's hard work was rewarded. The win sees Rangers making their return to the Shield Final after 33 years. The Final is due to be played on Tuesday 20th January against the winner of next Tuesday's contest between Ballymena United and Cliftonville.
For the immediate future, Carrick's next match is a League match at Taylors Avenue when Portadown are the visitors, kick-off at 15:00 GMT. Tickets are available online and you can also pay at the gate, with the match being streamed live and available for international audiences with a OneFootball subscription.
