Carrick Rangers progress to quarter-finals of Steel and Sons Cup

It was a straightforward afternoon’s work for Michael Hughes’s men and the result sets up an enticing all-Championship quarter-final tie with Ards.

Rangers took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of a Ryan Curran own goal. Adam Dick doubled their advantage when he sprung the offside trap to head home past keeper Mark Armstrong.

Ardglass pulled one back straight away when Owen Curran’s inch-perfect cross was met by Ricky Kerr who fired in from close range.

Seven minutes after the break Daniel Kelly gave Carrick a two-goal cushion, pouncing on a loose ball after Jonny Addis was dispossessed on the edged of the box.

Addis was a constant attacking threat and his deft finish complimented Dick’s neat assist to make it 4-1.

Ardglass were reduced to 10 men when Stephen Deegan was sent off on 70 minutes after picking up a second yellow for a foul on Dick.

Carrick were coasting and they made their numerical advantage count late in the game as Addis grabbed his second, before turning provider for Rory McGilloway who netted number six.

Carrick Rangers: Steele, Murray, Crawford (Neill 60’), Haveron, Taggart, McDermott, Harmon, Dick (Armour 80’), Yilmaz (Addis 13’), McGilloway, Kelly. Unused sub: Boyce.

Ardglass: Armstrong, McGarry, McEvoy (O’Connor 59’), R. Curran, Kearney, Telford, S. Deegan, Teggart, Kerr, Magee, O. Curran (O’Shea). Unused subs: Deegan, Armstrong.

Referee: David Dougherty (Dundonald).