Youth football: Mealey stars for Colts

Despite the heavy pitch, both teams tried to play football on the deck but few chances were created with Rhys McCreadie and Samuel Dykes outstanding for Carrick in midfield in difficult conditions. Carrick broke the deadlock just before the interval with the best move of the half. Kenny Donaldson received the ball wide on the left and delivered a defence-splitting cross-field ball to winger Ben Aston whose fine finish from 20 yards left the Comber keeper totally wrong-footed.

Comber began the second half brightly but it was Carrick who increased their lead after a nice through ball from McCreadie found Rangers striker Lindsay Carroll who finished clinically past the diving Comber stopper.

Carrick continued to take the game to the visitors with Michael Seymour unlucky, with a fine drive which just flew over the bar.

Rangers deservedly went three up when a Donaldson corner found marauding left-back Curtis Mealey unmarked on the edge of the Comber box as he unleashed a thunderous volley which went in off the bar.

Comber rallied as the second half wore on and scored twice in the last 10 minutes to make for a nail-biting finish. However, Carrick held on to claim a deserved three points and maintain their push at the top end of the table.

Man of the Match: Curtis Mealey.