A huge chance for Carrick as Jordan Forsythe meets a Ben Buchanan-Rolleston cross with a firm header but Aaron McCarey springs across his goal to brilliantly push the effort away.

Dungannon Swifts can count themselves fortunate not to be further behind.

Twice in almost as any minutes Joel Cooper bears down on goal only to be denied by a timely tackle by Danny Wallace and a smart save with his foot from Declan Dunne.

Carrick midfielder Aidan Steele commits another foul and almost immediately is replaced by Daire O'Connor.

Carrick boss Stephen Baxter clearly concerned about the possibility of his side also going down to 10 men.

Adam Frizzell dispossesses Fuad Sule in a dangerous area before feeding Kieran Offord who miscues his left-footed strike well wide of the target.

Straight up the other end Success Edogun gets the better of Ben Hall as he bears down on goal but referee Ian McNabb blows his whistle for a foul.

Glentoran boss Declan Devine has seen enough as he makes his first change of the game with Jordan Stewart coming on for Jordan Jenkins.

Limavady United should be in front as another great chance falls the way of Philip Lowry but the experienced midfielder uncharacteristically blazes over from Leon Boyd's cross.

Carrick midfielder Aidan Steele - already on a yellow card - is fractionally late with a challenge on Portadown keeper Aaron McCarey.

Portadown's players enquire about a second caution to referee Steven Gregg but the increasingly busy official takes no further action.

What a chance for the Swifts to draw level.

Coleraine cough up possession in midfield, inviting Kealan Dillon to drive forward with the ball.

He exchanges passes with Shea Gordon before breaking into the box but, with the goal at his mercy, blasts a rising shot over the Coleraine crossbar from 12 yards.

Limavady United are growing in belief here as Philip Lowry ghosts in to almost nick a trademark goal but his flicked finish loops over the Glentoran bar.

Daithi McCallion meets Chris McKee's corner and it takes a header off the line from Kirk Millar to thwart the danger.

The second half begins with almost an action replay to the opening of the first period as Carrick's Paul Heatley bursts clear on goal.

This time he tangles with Portadown defender Lewis MacKinnon inside the penalty area, leaving the Carrick player on the ground but once again, referee Steven Gregg deems no offence has been committed.

Dylan Boyle with an early chance for the visitors but his curling effort from just outside the penalty area fails to trouble Declan Dunne.

No changes at half-time from either manager.

The second half begins at Taylors Avenue with no changes for either side.

Coleraine captain Joel Cooper gets play restarted at a now damp Stangmore Park.

The Glentoran fans are not happy as Ross Clarke goes down in the Limavady penalty area after a coming together with Tiarnan Boorman and Rodney Brown, but referee Michael McKenna awards a free-kick out.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

It's Limavady United who pose the first threat as Oisin Duffy forces Billy Crellin into an early save 20 seconds after the restart.