Heatley's strike gives Carrick Rangers a 1-0 win over Portadown

Carrick Rangers secured a 1-0 victory over Portadown at Taylors Avenue, with Paul Heatley delivering the decisive finish. The match marked David Jeffrey’s return to Irish Premiership management, but his side could not recover from an early incident in which Heatley went down after a tangle with Jack Scott, though play was allowed to continue by referee Steven Gregg. In the 26th minute, Portadown’s Liam Jessop received a red card for a high challenge on Michael Place.

Carrick pressed forward, with Danny Gibson forcing a post-hit and later sending in a left-wing cross that was only half-cleared by Rhys Breen, allowing Heatley to blast the ball past goalkeeper Aaron McCarey. Portadown had limited chances, including a shot from Eamon Fyfe that missed a crowded goalmouth and a header from Jordan Forsythe that was saved by McCarey.