CARRICK TOO STRONG FOR SWIFTS AT STANGMORE
First half goals from Alex Gawne and Lloyd Anderson helped Carrick Rangers to a two-goal victory over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.
Both sides got off to a bright start with Ryan Mayse sending an effort just past the right post while, at the other end, Roy Carroll did well to save from Michael Smith.
Carrick moved in front on 23 minutes somewhat against the run of play. Kyle Cherry was on hand to deliver the ball from the right for Gawne to connect and send a glancing header past Carroll.
The Swifts might have levelled on a couple of occasions when first Caolan McAleer couldn't keep a Shane McGinty cross down before Rory Patterson sent a left-foot shot just wide.
Gawne had a chance to double Carrick's lead only to snatch a shot from the edge of the area but, on the stroke of half-time, the visitors did extend their advantage after Lee Chapman brought the ball into the area and crossed from the right for Anderson to nod home at the far post.
Despite chasing the game after the break the Swifts failed to make any impact up front although they were thrown a lifeline on 56 minutes when Carrick skipper Daniel Kelly was sent-off by referee Christopher Morrison following an incident with McAleer in front of the dugouts.
However Dean Shiels' side failed to make their numerical advantage count in any meaningful way and ultimately slipped to another defeat to leave them seven points adrift of Carrick at the foot of the table.
Dungannon Swifts: Carroll, Coyle, Teggart, Byers, McAleer, O. Smyth, Carvill, Mayse, S. McGinty, M. Smyth, Patterson subs Johnston (not used), Patton (replaced Teggart 72), Gallagher (replaced S. McGinty 72), C. McGinty (not used), O'Kane (not used), Ferson (replaced Mayse 83), Glenny (not used)
Carrick Rangers: Hogg, Loughran, Chapman, Kelly, Gawne, Smith, Gordon, Cherry, Gibson, Anderson, Ramsey subs Connor Friel (not used), Forsythe (not used), Neale (replaced Smith 86), Glendinning (replaced Gawne 66), Millar (not used), McMullan (not used), Cathair Friel (replaced Gibson 82)
Substitution 
Substitution 
