Carrick out of League Cup

Knockbreda, who were promoted from Championship 2 last season, made home advantage count to send out a clear message that they are capable of surprising a few people this season.

Carrick lost Anto Lagan to a knee injury after only seven minutes and could have fallen behind shortly after as a Miguel Chines header rattled the crossbar.

Gers captain Glenn Taggart crucially headed clear at the back post as Michael McClean looked to score against his former side.

The visitors came close to scoring in the 25th minute; David Bell saw his header cleared off the line from Damien Curran’s corner.

Chines then breached the Carrick defence and knocked the ball past Gareth Deane but was unfortunate to miss from 18 yards. At the other end, Aaron Harmon’s free kick flew inches wide of the top corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Nathan McConnell really should have scored from Bell’s accurate cross. Richard Gibson, fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Coagh, almost netted with a volley from 20 yards.

Chines continued to threaten for the home team, along with substitute Colum Curtis, forcing Linfield loanee Gareth Deane into an impressive save on the hour.

Correy Davidson’s driven cross was missed by both McConnell and Gibson as Knockbreda grew in confidence.

Carrick were punished for missing chances with 10 minutes left on the clock as Jamie Mitchell pounced at the far post to break the deadlock.

The Gers had a golden chance to level the tie in stoppage time, but McConnell blazed wide from a Gibson flick-on.

Carrick Rangers: Deane, Smyth, Bell (McCloskey 58), Taggart, O’Kane, Curran(West 73), Burns, Harmon, Lagan (Gibson 7), McConnell, Davidson. Subs not used: Steele, Kelly.