Football: Carrick see off champions Linfield

Carrick Rangers produced a fine performance to shock reigning Danske Bank Premiership champions Linfield at the Loughshore Leisure Arena this afternoon.

Emmett McGuckin was the hero for Stuart King's side with his goal shortly after the hour mark proving the difference between the sides.

Former Linfield midfielder had given the hosts the lead inside the opening 15 minutes with a super strike from distance that gave Blues keeper Chis John little chance.

Ethan Devine levelled eight minutes into the second half with a smart finish, but McGuckin's high drive into the roof of the net on 63 minutes was enough to see Carrick pick up their second win of the campaign.

The win moves the home side level on six points with Linfield - thought they have played a game more. It was their second victory of the campaign following their opening day victory at homer to newly-promoted Newry City AFC.

David Healy's side missed the chance to go into second place in the table and just one point behind rivals and current leaders Glentoran.

They do have a game in hand, due to their European exploits, which ended in heartbreak last Thursday following their Europa Conference League Play-Off exit on penalties at the hands of Latvian side RFS.

Had Linfield won, they would have been the first team in Irish League history to reach the group stages of European competition.