CHAMPIONSHIP 1: Carrick Rangers 1 Ards 0

Miguel Chines scored the only goal of a closely-fought game to bag all three points for Gary Haveron’s men.

With both sides expected to mount a promotion challenge this year, it was a game which was always going to be nip-and-tuck. In the end, it was Chines’ composure in front of goal which was the difference.

The first 45 minutes served up very little in terms of entertainment but Carrick did have the edge, with Ards looking distinctly below par.

Centre-back John Convery was presented with an unexpected chance for Ards midway through the first half but his snapshot was saved by Brian Neeson.

At the other end Chines was inches away from connecting with Kyle Cherry’s impecabbly delivered corner. The slightest of touches would surely have seen the net rippling and Carrick in the lead.

But Chines, the hat-trick hero from last week’s Steel Cup win over Distillery, didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock. On 39 minutes, cool and composed as you like, he calmly steered the ball into the bottom corner with the inside of his left foot.

Early in the second half Ards’ number nine, Josh Cahoon, fired wide before Chines uncharacteristically did likewise at the other end when one-on-one with Graeme McKibbin.

Ards, knocking on the door for an equaliser, almost came up with the goods when Ciaran Donaghy failed to clear and the ball came all the way across the box to the unmarked John Dougan but his effort was saved by the legs of Neeson.

Cahoon then went agonisingly close to levelling matters when he headed over from close range after Convery had set him up met Dougan’s raking free-kick.

For Carrick, it was a case of what we have we hold and they defended well to keep Niall Currie’s men out to claim a big three points.

Carrick Rangers: Neeson, Smyth, Traynor (McConnell 68), Donaghy, Kelly, Taggart (Browne 51), Kane, Cherry, Roy (McKenna 80), Chines, McCloskey. Subs not used: Lagan, Arthur.

Ards: McKibbin, Hall, Convery, Cully (Downey 45), Burns, Faulkner, Shannon, E. McAllister (McMillan 75), Cahoon (D. McAllister 75), Arthurs, Dougan. Subs not used: Hyslop, Warnock.

Referee: Graham McIlwrath.