Match Report
The table gap was wide: 52 points between Linfield (4th, 62 pts) and Carrick Rangers (1st, 10 pts). Linfield's recent output lagged their position: 18th on form over five rounds while 4th in the table. Scoring rates set the scale: Carrick Rangers 3 scored and 1.4 conceded per game, Linfield 1.7 and 0.73, with the league averaging 1.46.
11 meetings are on record — 1 won by Carrick Rangers, 8 by Linfield, 2 drawn, at 2.82 goals per meeting. Whoever hosts gains little here: home teams have taken just 36% of the wins in this fixture. Expect goals on precedent — three or more in 64% of the meetings, and both sides scored in 55%.
The match was played at Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena. Carrick Rangers led 1-0 at the break, and the second half added 1 goal for the 2-0 full-time score.
Goal scorers
Carrick Rangers: Matthew Olosunde (45'), Luke McCullough (71')
Key stats
Possession: Carrick Rangers 38% · Linfield 62% · Total shots: 11-19 · On target: 6-3 · Corners: 5-6