McIlroy strike gives Carrick the bragging rights in derby

Greenisland were on the receiving end of constant pressure and but for their dogged outfield defence and goalkeeper plus a lack of clinical finishing from Carrick in the final third, the visitors may have found themselves at the receiving end of a somewhat more emphatic scoreline.

An understandably nervy start from both sides saw little constructive movement in the early part of the match but as Carrick settled into their stride and began to gain the upper hand in midfield.

With any threat from the visiting centre-forward regularly nullified by a well-drilled home defence, Carrick utilised their wing-backs into the attack in support of their wide players.

This was particularly evident on the right side where Emma Nichols caused problems for the Greenisland rearguard.

And with Julie Oliver, Katie Houston, and Robyn Poots securely covering the approaches to the Carrick goal area, Carrick centre-half Lois Passmore found more and more space to break forward through the middle. However her raiding runs were not finished off in the Greenisland goal area as the defence remained firmly resolute.

Greenisland were proving a tough nut to crack but persistent pressure paid off when McIlroy slammed home from a penalty corner, 20 minutes after the re-start.

Greenisland later had two players green-carded and the home side was rarely troubled over the final quarter.

n In Junior Division Four, Carrick seconds played out a 0-0 draw with their Greenisland counterparts.