Irish Premiership: Ballinamallard beat Carrick in basement duel

Agony for Carrick keeper Harry Doherty as the Mallards celebrate their second goal

Ballinamallard United defeated relegation rivals Carrick Rangers 2-1 at Ferney Park to move off the bottom.

Shane McGinty blasted the hosts in front and Sean Noble slotted home to make it 2-0 before Darren Henderson pulled one back for Rangers.

Carrick slip into the automatic relegation spot with the Mallards two points in front in the play-off place.

Glentoran striker Curtis Allen scored twice and was sent-off in a 4-2 win over Dungannon Swifts.

James Ferrin headed the Glens into an early lead at the Oval but Daniel Hughes struck a minute later for the equaliser.

John McGuigan hit the bottom corner to restore the host's advantage and Allen added the third with a fine finish eight minutes before the break.

Chris Hegarty headed off the bar and in as the Swifts fought back but Allen completed his double from close-range for the final goal of the game.

This encounter may have had little at stake but passions ran high late on as Allen and Seanan Clucas were dismissed after an off-the-ball incident.

There was plenty to play for in Fermanagh as the bottom two fought it out and it was Ballinamallard who came away with a crucial victory.

It was a first half of few chances with Damien McNulty's overhead kick flying just wide of the Mallards woodwork.

McGinty had already sent a 20-yard effort wide but from the same distance he made the 39th-minute breakthrough, with keeper Harry Doherty unable to keep out his thunderous shot.

The game opened up after the break and Noble charged down a Doherty clearance before stroking into an empty net.

Henderson pounced on a loose ball to score from a tight angle on 65 minutes to set up a tense finale.

The striker found the net again but it was ruled offside and the Mallards held firm for what could be a decisive win with two games left.