Carrick seal senior status

Carrick Rangers retained their spot in the Danske Bank Premiership following a 4-1 win over Institute in the second leg of their play-off at Taylor's Avenue on Friday night.

The first leg ended 1-1 and another close affair was expected, but Carrick took command on the night especially in the second half thanks to two goals from Declan O'Brien to smash Institute's promotion dream.

Kyle McVey fired the home side into the lead on 11 minutes, but it was all square two minutes later when Sammy Morrow scored from close range.

The second Carrick goal had a touch of good fortune as Steven McCullough's free kick deflected off the wall and past the keeper to make it 2-1 on 25 minutes.

A superb run and finish by O'Brien on 71 minutes gave Carrick a two goal cushion and the striker struck again ten minutes from the end to leave the aggregate score 5-2.