Stephen Baxter made 3 changes to the Starting XI, and with it a change of shape. Ryan McKay and Jimmy Callacher returning with Matthew Olosunde making his first start, replacing BJ Burns, Aidan Steele and Adam Lecky, as the 'Gers lined up in a 3-5-2.

Cliftonville started the game the brighter, as Carrick struggled to get to grips with the new shape and on 10 minutes the home side took the lead. Paul Heatley was dispossessed in midfield, with Adebayo Fapetu's cross being met at the back post by Brian Healy.

Carrick then began to settle into the game and levelled on 39 minutes, a goal-kick was hooked on by Mikey Place, for Danny Gibson to race behind the Reds defence and slot past PJ Morrison. Five minutes later, Carrick were ahead as Ben Buchanan-Rolleston played a long ball forward, Gibson looked to be chasing a lost cause but dispossessed Shaun Leppard before playing a perfect pass into Paul Heatley to slot home.

Right on half-time, the 'Gers had a third from another goal-kick, hooked on this time by Heatley for Olosunde to run onto, before he was fouled in the box. Gibson stepped up and sent Morrison the wrong way for Carrick Rangers to lead 3-1 at the break.

Things got even better for the Amber Army after the break, with Gibson completing his hat-trick, again linking up with Heatley before firing past Morrison at the second attempt. Both sides made changes as the second half went on, Joe Moore making his debut for Carrick Rangers, with Lecky and Steele entering to see out the win. Gibson had a chance to add a fourth to his tally, Morrison making a smart save in the final minutes.

Stephen Baxter was delighted with his mens performance on the day, and was happy to get a result that matched the performance after a number of solid displays in recent weeks that have not returned points.

The 'Gers are next in action on Tuesday 20th January, aiming to make history and lift the County Antrim Shield Final for the first time in 33 years, kick-off is at 19:45 (GMT).