Conor McCloskey curls a free kick over the Ballymena defensive wall but Sean O'Neill springs to his right to palm the ball around the post.

Jimmy Callacher is on for Josh Williamson as Declan Caddell makes his second change of the afternoon.

Ryan Mayse becomes the third Portadown player to be shown a yellow card after going in heavy on Matthew Snoddy.

Jonny Tuffey makes a good save to deny Jamie McGonigle's strike with Matthew Shevlin unable to convert the rebound.

20 minutes to go at Seaview.

Joe Moore nips in at the backpost to add a fourth goal for the impressive Sky Blues.

A pair of substitutions as both managers shuffle the deck.

Ryan Curran makes way for the pacey Destiny Ojo for the north Belfast outfit.

Meanwhile, David Cushley, who’s put in a solid shift for Carrick, is replaced by the more defensive-minded Reece Glendinning.

Jordan Stewart rifles past Max Little to restore the lead for the north Belfast hosts.

Joe Gormley sees yellow after a mistimed challenge on Seanan Clucas.

Frustration perhaps creeping in as the visitors chase the game, and Gormley arrives late, catching Clucas on the ankle.

Mark Dillon doesn’t hesitate, reaching for the card as the Carrick midfielder gets back to his feet.

A frustrated Alberto Balde picks up a yellow card for Loughgall after swiping through the back of Andy Scott.

David Jeffrey
Former Larne, Linfield & Ballymena manager on BBC Radio Ulster

We thought there would be a Cliftonville response, but there hasn't been. Carrick have continued to dominate, and it is a great strike from Clucas, they very much deserve to be 2-0 ahead.

That goal has really invigorated the hosts - and the vociferous home support.

Can they push on and grab the lead?

We'll find out in the next half an hour.

Dean Shiels introduces Mackenzie Carse for Alfie Gaston.

Jim Magilton makes his move, turning to the bench in search of a spark.

Joe Gormley is called upon alongside teenager Ryan Corrigan.

Ronan Doherty and Michael Glynn make way as Magilton rolls the dice, hoping this double change can ignite a comeback.

Darren Murphy
Sportsound summariser

That is a brilliant finish from Jack Malone, he shows a lot of composure and side foots it into the corner.

Jonny Addis bails out the visitors with a heroic block!

Michael Glynn’s under-hit backpass leaves David Odumosu exposed, and Danny Gibson smells blood.

The frontman pounces, shooting from 12 yards, but Addis flings himself in the way, turning the shot behind for a corner.

That’s last-ditch defending at its finest!

Andy Scott curls a delightful ball across the face of the Loughgall penalty area as Ballymena chase a fourth goal.

It's been a quiet opening to the second period.

Steven McCullough is the second Portadown player to be booked, for a lunge on half-time substitute Keith Ward as he broke on the halfway line.