Ballyclare Comrades suffered a difficult afternoon at Dixon Park as Premiership side Carrick Rangers ran out convincing 8-1 winners in the final pre-season outing before the new campaign. Despite a first-half goal from Dylan O’Kane, the visitors’ clinical finishing proved the difference.

Carrick made a fast start and broke the deadlock after 14 minutes through Jack Hastings, before Danny Gibson doubled the advantage five minutes later. Jimmy Callacher added a fourth on 26 minutes, with Gibson grabbing his second of the afternoon just before the break to send the visitors into half-time with a commanding 4-0 lead.

Ballyclare responded positively and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when O’Kane found the net, giving the home supporters something to cheer. However, Carrick quickly regained control after the interval as veteran forward Paul Heatley struck twice, either side of Adam Leckey’s finish, while Nedas Maciulaitis also got on the scoresheet to extend the lead. Heatley rounded off the scoring with his second goal of the afternoon to complete an 8-1 victory.

While the result was disappointing, the match offered Ballyclare Comrades another valuable test against strong Premiership opposition as preparations for the new season continue. The coaching staff will take plenty from the performance, using the experience to fine-tune the squad ahead of the competitive campaign. Attention now turns to the league opener against St James Swifts next Saturday afternoon, where the Comrades will be determined to put their pre-season work into practice and make a positive start to the season.