Carrick Rangers beat Larne on penalties in Shield
Jimmy Callacher scored the decisive penalty in the 4-3 shootout win
- Published
Carrick Rangers will play in a first County Antrim Shield final in 33 years after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Larne.
Adam Lecky gave Carrick a first-half lead at Taylors Avenue, but Ryan Nolan equalised to send the game to extra time.
The sides could still not be separated, and there was drama to come in the shootout.
Larne, who won the Shield for four years in a row until last season's final defeat by Glentoran, and Carrick both scored their opening penalties through Chris Gallagher and Jack Scott.
Conor McKendry then converted for Larne, but Rohan Ferguson then saved from Joe Crowe.
Sean Graham netted for Larne and Ferguson's second save, this time from Danny Gibson, put Gary Haveron's side on the brink of the final.
But things took a turn when Jordan McEneff was denied by Nathan Gartside, and Aidan Steele converted.
Gartside then saved from Ferguson, and Paul Heatley sent the shootout to sudden death.
Cormac Austin struck the post for Larne, and there was wild celebrations as Jimmy Callacher converted to send Carrick to the final.
The second semi-final between Ballymena United and Cliftonville takes place on Tuesday, 25 November.