There was an early contender for game of the season at Seaview and few could have envisaged Carrick Rangers fighting back to win 4-3 when they fell 3-0 behind after 32 minutes against Crusaders.
The Crues, who look to be trying to evolve their playing style under Declan Caddell this year, played some scintillating football in that first half hour.
After unearthing Kieran Offord from Scotland last season, they seem to have hit the jackpot again in that market again with some of their latest additions.
Fraser Bryden and Adam Brooks scored on their debuts, Elliot Dunlop was a constant thorn in Carrick’s side with his pace and directness, and Finley Thorndike, as he did at Glentoran, showed glimpses of his potential.
Stephen Baxter’s decision to sign a number of former Crusaders players looked to have backfired as their lack of pace in defence was exposed, but they showed ruthlessness when chances presented themselves to stay in the game.
Danny Gibson produced two clinical finishes whilst Jack Scott twice held his nerve from the spot to help them to a remarkable comeback win.
The awarding of both those spot kicks was contentious with Crues boss Caddell less than impressed with referee Mark Dillion, who had a tough afternoon in north Belfast.
His decision to award the first spot kick when Aidan Steele was taken down by Dunlop proved to be something of a turning point as Scott converted to spark the fightback.
Caddell’s ire lay firmly with the fact Dillion’s assistant had initially signalled for a throw-in to Crusaders and the referee overruled him to award the penalty.
“Two huge calls from the referee that has given Carrick Rangers three points today,” Caddell said post-match and it is hard to argue the referee’s decisions did not have a huge bearing on the game.
