Key Highlights
- Carrick Rangers triumph in dramatic County Antrim Shield final against Cliftonville.
- Penalties decide the winner after Carrick Rangers equalize in the 89th minute by Adam Lecky.
- Carrick Rangers celebrate their first County Antrim Shield title since 1993 under manager Stephen Baxter.
- Glentoran secure a comfortable win over Strabane Athletic, progressing to the Irish Cup sixth round.
The Drama of Carrick Rangers vs Cliftonville Final
Carrick Rangers and Cliftonville faced off in an intense County Antrim Shield final at The Oval on Saturday night. The match was a nail-biter, with both teams displaying commendable skill before the thrilling conclusion.
Match Highlights
Ryan Curran opened the scoring for Carrick Rangers in just the third minute, giving his team an early lead. However, Cliftonville fought back and Adam Lecky equalized for them with ten minutes left in normal time. The game was set to end 1-1, sending it into penalties.
Penalties Decide the Winner
The shootout saw Carrick Rangers emerge victorious as Aidan Steele scored the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters behind the goal. Stephen Baxter’s men have now won the County Antrim Shield for the first time since 1993.
Carrick Rangers’ Manager and Players React
Manager Stephen Baxter expressed his delight at securing the trophy: “To see the celebration and the joy is fantastic. I think we deserved to win with our second-half performance. We’ve sent a lot of people home happy tonight.” Captain Luke McCullough echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the historical significance of the win for Carrick Rangers.
Glentoran’s Irish Cup Success
In another significant match, Glentoran secured their place in the sixth round of the Irish Cup with a 4-0 victory over Strabane Athletic. The game was marked by clinical finishing and strong team performance from the Glens.
Key Moments in Glentoran’s Win
Jordan Stewart gave Glentoran an early lead after just 21 minutes, followed by Pat Hoban doubling the home side’s advantage during first-half stoppage time. Hoban added a second goal shortly after the restart, and Michael-John Kamson-Kamara completed the scoring with a header near the end of the game.
Managerial Insights
Glen Ruddy, former captain of Glentoran, provided his insights on BBC iPlayer. He praised the performance of Jonny Addis during the penalty shootout: “It was a good penalty from Jonny Addis. He knew exactly what he wanted to do.” The manager also highlighted the importance of keeping composure under pressure.
Conclusion
The night at Seaview Stadium saw two dramatic final moments – Carrick Rangers winning on penalties and Glentoran securing a comfortable victory in their Irish Cup run. Both teams showcased their skills, leading to memorable matches that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
The County Antrim Shield final has undoubtedly boosted the morale of Carrick Rangers supporters, while Glentoran’s progress in the Irish Cup adds another feather to their cap. As the season continues, both clubs have high hopes and exciting prospects ahead.
