Chines at the double as Rangers see off City

The Portuguese striker’s goals have been vital to Carrick’s success this year and his brace at Holm Park saw him break the 20-goal barrier. The former Linfield man now has 21 to his name since his arrival from Knockbreda in the summer.

With east Antrim rivals Larne losing 3-2 away to Dergview, the three points gained moved Rangers up to third in Championship 1.

The visitors dominated for the majority of the match and the crucial moment arrived on 58 minutes when Chines fastened on to a Ben Roy through ball before slotting past keeper Sean Morgan.

Substitute Nathan McConnell set up Chines for his second of the night late on.

With two games in hand, Gary Haveron’s men are now just a point behind second-placed Ards who came from two down to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw at home to the Welders.

It sets things up nicely for the visit of Bangor to Taylor’s Avenue this weekend. A win for the Gers would see them move within a point of the Seasiders.

Armagh City line-up: Morgan, Montgomery, R McGerrigan, Noonan, Grimley, Moore, Cullen, Mallon, Havern, Murray, Hoey.

Carrick Rangers: Neeson, Smyth, McKenna, Donaghy, Arthur, Kelly, Harmon, Cherry, Chines (Woods), Roy (McConnell), McCloskey (Hamill).

Championship 1 results (March 24)

Armagh City 0-2 Carrick Rangers

Dergview 3-2 Larne

Ards 2-2 HW Welders