McGinty goal helps Swifts secure a point

Carrick Rangers..1

Dungannon Swifts..1

By Tommy Nethery

CAHAL McGinty scored his first senior goal for Dungannon Swifts who ended a run of six defeats by securing a share of the spoils in this basement battle at Taylor’s Avenue this evening.

McGinty headed home in the first half as Swifts registered their first point since defeating Crusaders last month.

The draw – courtesy of a Cathair Friel equaliser – means Swifts remain bottom four points adrift of their opponents

The visitors started on the front foot with Rhyss Campbell looking particularly lively on the left.

The first opportunity though fell to the home side with Carrick skipper Gerard Kelly heading straight at Roy Carroll.

That apart the hosts rarely threatened the visiting goal and it was Swifts who were asking all the questions going forward.

McGinty somehow volleyed over from six yards after connecting with a Michael Carvill corner kick before Rory Patterson set up Campbell but Aaron Hogg got down smartly to save the attacker’s shot.

Rangers failed to heed those warning shots and on 24 minutes Dungannon nudged ahead when McGinty rose unmarked at the back post to nod home a Carvill free kick.

The visitors could have extended their advantage when Campbell cut the ball back into the path of Patterson who scuffed his first time shot.

Rangers show greater intent in the second half and they duly equalised in somewhat controversial circumstances. Dungannon claimed there had been a foul in the build up but the referee Steven Gregg waved play on and Friel finished low into the corner of the net.

There was further controversy when Dungannon felt they should have a penalty as Campbell went down under a challenge from Hogg.

At the other end Carrick were also crying foul when Jordan Jenkins had an effort chalked off for offside.

Dungannon pressed for a late winner but the home defence stood firm.

The Teams

Carrick Rangers

Hogg; Forsythe; Neale; Rodgers; Chapman; Kelly; Cherry (McMullan 65); Gibson; Anderson (Jenkins 58); Ramsey; Friel.

Subs not used: Friel; Loughran; Smith; Glendinning; Storey.

Dungannon Swifts

Carroll; M Smyth; Glenny; McGee; C McGinty; S McGinty (Patton 67); Carvill Coyle 84); O Smyth; Convie; Campbell; Patterson.

Subs not used: Byrne; Teggart; Byers; Mayse; O’Kane.

Referee

S Gregg