Irish Premiership: Ballinamallard Utd 1-2 Carrick Rangers

Carrick Rangers earned their first Premiership victory since 12 September as Aaron Traynor's late goal helped see off fellow strugglers Ballinamallard.

Gary Haveron's side clinched their victory despite having Conor McCloskey red carded late in the first half.

A Johnny Lafferty own goal put Rangers ahead on eight minutes before James McKenna headed an equaliser on 19.

After McCloskey's red card, Jason McCartney struck the Carrick woodwork before Traynor's 75th-minute winner.

The victory will be a huge morale boost to Carrick after five of their recent home fixtures had to be postponed because of pitch problems at the Belfast Loughshore Arena.

Carrick's last Premiership victory also came at Ferney Park when they earned a 3-1 win over Whitey Anderson's side.

Rangers took the lead as the unlucky Lafferty headed a Miguel Chines free-kick into his own net on eight minutes.

Ballinamallard were on terms within 11 minutes as McKenna nodded in a McCartney free-kick.

Both teams had further chances before half-time with Lafferty just failing to touch in a teasing cross on 25 minutes before McCloskey was dismissed after his bad challenge on McKenna was followed by a spot of afters.

McCartney rattled the Carrick woodwork on 60 with Ballinmallard keeper Alvin Rouse denying Chines before Traynor's 75th-minute winner.