Ballymena almost took the lead inside the opening minute when a cross found Daire O’Connor unmarked in the penalty area, but Carrick goalkeeper Nathan Gartside reacted quickly to apply pressure and the forward dragged his effort wide. Carrick soon settled and went close themselves in the 22nd minute as Luke McCullough met a corner with a well-directed header, only for Ballymena keeper Sean O’Neill to gather comfortably.
The game then entered a more even spell, with much of the play confined to the middle third of the pitch but as half-time approached, Carrick began to apply greater pressure, with Daniel Gibson causing problems down the right flank. In the 40th minute, Gibson delivered a dangerous cross which Matthew Snoddy headed against the post. The ball rebounded back into play, where Aidan Steele reacted quickest to fire home from close range, scoring his third goal in four matches and giving the ‘Gers a deserved lead.
Carrick continued to threaten before the break, with Steele again involved as he drew a foul just outside the penalty area. Ryan McKay’s resulting free-kick was cleared off the line, and Paul Heatley’s follow-up effort from the edge of the box flew narrowly over the crossbar. The referee brought the first half to a close moments later, with Carrick heading into the interval 1–0 ahead.
The second half saw Ballymena push forward in search of an equaliser, while Carrick looked to extend their advantage. Clear chances were limited, although Heatley came close for the visitors after creating space for a shot, which unfortunately sailed over the bar. Ballymena enjoyed spells of possession in the final third but struggled to seriously test Gartside.
Howeer in the 65th minute, the hosts found their equaliser following a hopeful ball into the area, which landed at the feet of O'Connor who finished into the open net. Ballymena continued to apply pressure, with Success Edogun firing wide from close range after a corner dropped into the six-yard box.
Carrick defended resolutely in the closing stages and saw out the match to earn a point. Manager Stephen Baxter was pleased with the overall performance, with Luke McCullough, Ben Buchanan-Rolleston and Aidan Steele among the standout performers.
The ‘Gers now turn their attention to a Boxing Day clash against rivals and league leaders Larne at Taylor’s Avenue.
