IRISH LEAGUE: Conor McDonald gives Warrenpoint precious win over Carrick

Carrick's Aaron Harmon in action with Warrenpoint's Liam Bagnall.

Warrenpoint moved off the foot of the Danske Bank Premiership with a 1-0 win over 10-man Carrick Rangers at Seaview.

Conor McDonald’s header, whic arrived early in the second half, proved enough for Barry Gray’s men to take all three points in the Friday night relegation scrap.

Carrick were left with a mountain to climb when centre-back Glenn Taggart saw red for a foul on Jonny McMurray.

A cagey opening 45 minutes didn’t produce any goals but there were big chances for both teams.

The first real opportunity fell to the visitors on 15 minutes. Stephen Murray picked out Martin Murray, but the Cliftonville loanee smashed the ball into the side-netting.

At the other end, Warrenpoint stopper Jonathan Parr denied Miguel Chines from close range after the Portuguese frontman had been set through by Aaron Harmon.

Stephen Murray wasted a golden opportunity on 25 minutes when he found himself through on goal, but Carrick ‘keeper Brian Neeson saved well with his feet.

Warrenpoint made the breakthrough four minutes after the break. Martin Murray’s clever shot from the right flank struck the post and the lively Conor McDonald was on hand to head home the rebound.

Three minutes later Carrick were reduced to 10 men when veteran defender Taggart saw red for what appeared to be a late tackle on Jonny McMurray.

Just before the hour-mark Chines went close with a 35-yard free-kick which was tipped over by Parr and Ben Roy missed a glorious chance to level matters 10 minutes later when he fired wide.

Sub John McGuigan could have put the gloss on the win in the 90th minute but he blasted wide from three yards out before forcing a fine save from Neeson with a long-range strike.

Carrick Rangers: Neeson - Smyth, Taggart, Doyle, Traynor - McCloskey Harmon, Surgenor, Johnston (Kelly 83) - Chines, Roy (Salley 76). Subs not used: McNeill, McCaul, Rice.

Warrenpoint: Parr - Bagnall, Dane, McVeigh, M. Hughes - M. Murray, Doyle, Clarke (McGuigan 65), McDonald - McMurray (S. Hughes 71), S. Murray. Subs not used: Murphy, Donnelly, Mulvenna.

Referee: Arnold Hunter (Maguiresbridge).