Carrick Rangers 1 Coagh United 0
With top scorer Ricky Gibson suspended and Ben Roy also serving a ban, the veteran striker was given the nod up front alongside Adam Dick, who was making his first start since sustaining an injury against Knockbreda.
The winner, Arthur’s third goal since he signed in January, came 10 minutes into the second half and it was enough for Gary Haveron’s men to gain an important three points.
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Hide AdA blank first half served up precious little in terms of chances. Aaron Smyth came close for the home side but he sent an effort narrowly wide after a strong run from Aaron Harmon gave him a presentable opportunity to break the deadlock.
After the interval Arthur showed he still knows how to find the net when he stormed into the box and fired the ball in at William Hassan’s near post.
At the other end Simon Steele pulled off an acrobatic save to preserve Carrick’s one-goal lead and help land his side’s fifth clean sheet in the league.
Harmon almost doubled Carrick’s advantage late on, but he rattled the post after beating four players to open up a shooting opportunity.
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Hide AdNext weekend Carrick travel to Clandeboye Park to take on Bangor.
Carrick: Steele, Smyth, O’Kane, Donaghy, Taggart, McCann, Harmon, McCloskey, Dick (Lagan), Arthur (Kelly), Bell (Lynch). Subs: McArdle, West.