In a game where the scoreline failed to show how close the match was on the pitch, Carrick Rangers fell to the Blues at Windsor Park thanks to 2 late goals from substitute Matthew Yates. Without Manager Stephen Baxter on the sidelines due to illness on the day, the 'Gers limited the league champions to few chances in 90 minutes, and in truth had a number of chances themselves to at least earn a point.
Linfield led at the break, after Chris McKee headed home from a Kirk Millar Cross 11 minutes in. The 'Gers were left aggrieved that the goal stood as McKee appeared to push BJ Burns as the ball arrived, allowing him a free header, referee Chris Morrison however was unmoved. Carrick then had a number of chances to level from set pieces, with a strike from Joe Crowe stopped by Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns, followed by a header from Danny Gibson that floated just over the crossbar. Nathan Gartside then made a number of important saves at the end of the half, first from Callumn Morrison on the break and then diving low to his right, to prevent McKee from netting him his second goal of the half.
If the theme of the first half was Carrick kept possession well, moved the ball about nicely and looked promising going forward, this continued after the break when Danny Gibson had two chances in the space of the first five minutes of the half, first hitting the post when breaking in behind the Linfield defence and then forcing a good save from keeper Johns low to his left. The 'Gers persevered and finally got their reward on 71 minutes, Aidan Steele sliding the ball past Johns to level the match. Carrick then had a chance to deservedly go in front, Adam Lecky bursting through on goal with Johns again saving low to his left.
Having lost BJ Burns to injury late on, Rangers were forced to change shape with Joe Crowe dropping to right-back, that forced change impacted the game, allowing Linfield's midfield more time on the ball to try and unlock the Carrick defence. Linfield introduced Jamie Mulgrew and Matt Yates, the latter going on to bag a late brace to earn all three points for Linfield. On 86 minutes, Callumn Morrison beat Seanan Clucas on the left side before crossing, Rangers were unable to clear and Yates was there to poke home at the back post. Then in stoppage time, Morrison linked up with Sam Taylor who squared to Yates to finish into the bottom corner.
Following the match, Peter Thompson said he felt Rangers deserved to come away with at least a point from their performance and stressed in the dressing room the importance of focusing on ensuring they secure the draw, even when they may not have the opportunity to gain a win. The loss sees Carrick maintain 11th position in the Premiership as they next head to the Coleraine Showgrounds on the 6th December against 2nd place Coleraine. The match will be available for supporters outside the UK on OneFootball at 15:00 GMT.
