Irish Premiership: Ballymena United 1-0 Carrick Rangers

Nathan Hanley's early goal proved enough to give Ballymena United a home victory over struggling Carrick Rangers in the Irish Premiership

Hanley pounced to score inside two minutes from close-range after new signing Gareth McKeown had failed to cut out David Cushley's flick-on.

It was a costly error by ex-Crusaders and Glenavon defender McKeown who was making his Carrick debut.

Rangers almost grabbed a late equaliser but Kyle Cherry's header was too high.

The chance came late in stoppage-time as Carrick sub Conor McCloskey saw his shot tipped over by United keeper Alan Blayney.

From the corner, former Glentoran player Cherry headed over from six yards out.

That summed up a disappointing night for Carrick who have won just one of their last 14 games in the Irish Premiership.