The ‘Gers almost took the lead with no less than three minutes on the clock as Reece Neale’s thunderous volley cannoned off the crossbar.
Lloyd Anderson then teed up Stewart Nixon for an effort which he couldn’t connect with properly, sending the ball past the post.
Nixon created a chance soon after as he drilled a low cross into the box which was side-footed over the bar by Caolan Loughran.
At the other end, Aaron Hogg had to be alert to save an effort from inside the area.
Rangers continued to press for the opener as Michael Smith went on a surging run, however he shot straight at visiting ‘keeper Kyle Rowe.
On the stroke of half time, Niall Currie’s side took the lead. Loughran chipped the ball over the Comrades defence to find Nixon who had timed his run perfectly and poked home into the far corner, giving Carrick the advantage at half time.
The home side continued on the front foot in the second half as Nixon again looked to score from inside the box, but this time his shot hit the side netting.
On the 70th minute, Carrick added the second. Neale went one-on-one with Rowe and, although the ‘keeper saved the initial shot, the attacking wing-back was on hand to net the re-bound.
Gary Warwick replaced Craig McMillen soon after as the hosts looked to see out the game.
Christopher Crane then tried to bring his side back into the game with a shot from outside the box, however is comfortably dealt with by Aaron Hogg.
Further substitutions followed as Paul McDowell replaced Michael Smith and Fra Brennan came on for Mark Surgenor, wrapping up a game in which a vital three points were secured for the ‘Gers.
Carrick Rangers: Hogg; Rodgers, Surgenor (Brennan, 90+1), Loughran; Chapman, McDermott, McMillen (Warwick, 77), Anderson, Neale; Smith (McDowell, 85), Nixon.
Unused substitutes: Gage, Murray.
