The ’Gers started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute. An Aidan Steele free kick was met by the towering Adam Lecky, who rose above the Queen’s goalkeeper to head home. In the 34th minute, debutant Mikey Place clipped a ball forward to Lecky once again. This time, the ball fell to Steele, who tapped into an empty net to make it 2–0.
Queen’s responded before halftime when Ronan Young curled a free kick in at the near post, reducing the deficit to 2–1 at the break.
After halftime, the ’Gers continued to apply pressure. In the 57th minute, Danny Gibson crossed for the returning Joe Crowe, who skillfully controlled the ball before firing home. Paul Heatley then delivered a cross from the left-hand side for Matthew Snoddy to head in his first goal for the club.
Gibson later added his name to the scoresheet, with substitute Ryan McKay providing the assist by crossing at the near post for Gibson to strike home and complete the 5–1 win.
Stephen Baxter took advantage of the comfortable scoreline, introducing fresh legs in the final 20 minutes. Jack Boyd, Ryan McKay and Eoghan McCawl came on, Jimmy Callacher made his return, and recent signing Matthew Olosunde made his debut.
Manager Stephen Baxter was delighted with the performance and pleased to welcome Crowe and Callacher back to the side, as well as seeing positive contributions from Place and Olosunde.
Carrick Rangers have been drawn at home against Coleraine in Round 6 of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.
The ’Gers return to league action on Tuesday, January 13, when they face Linfield at Taylors Avenue. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m., with the match streamed live on BBC iPlayer.
