Off and running for the new season as Paul Heatley’s goal provides an opening weekend victory for Carrick Rangers against 10 man Portadown.

The ‘Gers number 22 shone right from the beginning of the game, providing the vast majority of the early chances.

The game didn’t take long to get its feisty start. A highly debated decision from referee Steven Gregg inside two minutes, as Jack Scott was deemed not to have taken down Paul Heatley, who was one on one in behind.

The early pressure from the ‘Gers was generated by the dangerous last man runs from Heatley, however a lack of goal mouth chances kept the game level on the scoresheet.

Despite their slow start, Portadown’s first major involvement in the game came when Liam Jessop was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Mikey Place.

Expectedly the Portadown bench erupted in disbelief, however there was no question in the referee’s mind that Jessop deserved to have an early end to his day after just 27 minutes.

Carrick’s best chance of the first half came not long after the Jessop sending off. Danny Gibson struck the right post after a cool control off the back of a Paul Heatley corner.

The ‘Gers continued to push and probe for an opener before the break, however the first 45 ended goalless.

There was no question that the fiery nature of the game was going to continue into the second half, as Heatley again broke in behind and was once more denied a foul just seconds after the interval.

Right on the hour mark came the best spell of the game from Carrick, as Jordan Forsythe’s header from a Buchanan-Rolleston cross was parried by Aaron McCarey in the Portadown goal.

Less than a minute later though, the deadlock was eventually broken. The star man of the day Paul Heatley, turned on the spot to fire into the bottom right corner with a half volley strike off the back of a Danny Gibson delivery.

The ‘Gers were good value for their lead and continued to push for more as Heatley again snuck in behind, rounding the goalkeeper, however the cutback was duly cleared.

It was a substitute combination between Daire O’Connor and Joe Crowe that created another half decent chance down the right flank to try to add a second. The Portadown defence however, were able to once again scramble away.

In the end, it was a solid, hard fought opening weekend victory for Carrick Rangers. Paul Heatley undoubtedly made himself the difference maker on the day, with not only the goal but the many other chances that he created.

It’s off to Limavady United next weekend to continue the positive start to the new campaign.