It was the visitors who started the brighter of the two sides and arguably produced the better performance of the first half. Carrick failed to defend a Reece Neale long throw in the 15th minute, and centre-half Lewis Francis fired home to put the Seasiders a goal ahead.

Moments later, it took a superb save from Scott Pengelly to keep the score at 1-0. A ball over the top of the Carrick defence was laid across by Ben Cushnie for Jay Boyd, who was denied by the outstretched left foot of Pengelly before the post and a Carrick clearance prevented further danger.

In the 34th minute, the ’Gers levelled. A back-pass from the halfway line was picked up by Bangor keeper Gareth Deane, resulting in an indirect free-kick. The initial shot was blocked, but Billy Joe Burns was able to loft the loose ball home.

Nine minutes later, Aidan Steele clipped a ball over the top for Danny Gibson to run onto. He laid it across for the onrushing Ryan McKay, who finished well past Deane to put the ’Gers in front, netting his first goal for the club in the process.

After the break, Bangor responded. In the wind and rain, the ’Gers defence failed to deal with a cross from the left-hand side, allowing Ben Cushnie to finish low and level the tie.

The winner came six minutes later. Kyle Cherry, returning after a spell out injured, and Mikey Place exchanged passes before laying the ball to Burns, who clipped in a delightful delivery for Adam Lecky. His initial header was saved by Deane, but Lecky lashed home the rebound to earn the ’Gers all three points.

After the game, ’Gers boss Stephen Baxter expressed disappointment with the first-half performance but was delighted his side found a way to come back and win, extending their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

Carrick Rangers return to action on Saturday in Round 6 of the Clearer Water Irish Cup, at home to Coleraine. The tie kicks off at 15:00 (UTC) and will be broadcast on Home Team Network (excluding the UK and RoI).