Portadown started the match brightly with positive possession and early chances. Shay McCartan’s effort struck the crossbar after a long, slaloming run through the Carrick midfield. Eamon Fyfe then had an opportunity from around six yards out, but his header failed to trouble Scott Pengelly as it drifted wide.
In the 12th minute, Joe Crowe caught the Ports defence napping with a quick free-kick that found the unmarked Danny Gibson, who poked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper for the game’s opening goal.
Portadown pushed for an equaliser and came close from successive corners, but Pengelly and the Carrick defence stood firm to preserve the 1–0 lead. Another set-piece doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 24th minute. Luke McCullough rose highest in the box to win the header and direct it into the path of Adam Lecky, whose powerful volley found the back of the net.
From a Portadown throw-in, Paul Heatley collected a loose ball inside the Carrick half to spark a counter-attack and was given time to find Danny Gibson wide on the left. Gibson cut inside past two defenders before firing a low shot beyond the outstretched goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. Carrick carried a commanding 3–0 lead into half-time.
The second half was played at a slower tempo, with Carrick content to defend their well-earned advantage rather than press high up the pitch. Despite this, they continued to create half-chances from set-pieces, enough to keep the Ports defence alert without seriously testing the goalkeeper.
Portadown also looked threatening from dead-ball situations, with a header from a free-kick and a close-range volley following a long throw-in both coming agonisingly close to reducing the deficit. In the end, the ‘Gers defence held firm and the match finished 3–0 to the visitors.
Carrick return home to Taylors Avenue on Tuesday, 3rd February, to face Bangor, who sit just two points above the ‘Gers in the table. The 'Gers will be aiming to continue their positive run of form into February.
