Carrick Rangers ended their 33-year wait for major trophy delight after a Senior Shield final penalty shootout win over Cliftonville at Seaview – but who were the star performers?

After Ryan Curran put the Reds ahead early, substitute Adam Lecky equalised and sent the decider to spot-kicks for the second consecutive season.

While Curran and Liam McStravick missed for Jim Magilton’s men, Carrick produced a perfect set as Jimmy Callacher, Luke McCullough, Danny Gibson and Aidan Steele all converted.

Carrick last lifted this competition in 1992/93 – their previous trophy triumph – and it comes 50 years on from their sole Irish Cup success.

placeholder image — Adam Lecky celebrates scoring for Carrick. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

Here are the player ratings from the final:

CARRICK RANGERS

Scott Pengelly (7): Made a fine save to deny a powerful Jonny Addis shot, stopping Cliftonville doubling their first-half advantage. Was forced into action once again to stop Joe Gormley’s powerful effort after being teed up by Rory Hale from a free-kick. Saved a spot-kick which set up success in the shootout.

Michael Place (6): A willing runner down the right-hand flank for Carrick, never giving up on lost causes and providing an attacking outlet. Won the header which set up a huge Paul Heatley chance.

Billy Joe Burns (6): Back at a venue where he lifted a number of major trophies, Burns showed his experience to limit Cliftonville chances and also whipped in a few dangerous crosses. Blocked a Gormley shot which looked goalbound in first half.

Jimmy Callacher (6): Part of an experienced Carrick defence, Callacher put his body on the line and limited opposition threats, especially in the second half. Slotted home his penalty – Carrick’s first – with precision.

Danny Gibson (6): Hat-trick hero from Saturday’s league victory, Gibson had a couple of moments in the first half but was largely kept quiet. He played a key role in creating Lecky’s huge chance – before he scored. Forced PJ Morrison into a save from tight angle with 10 minutes to go. Scored his penalty.

Luke McCullough (7): Showed tremendous composure in the first half after finding himself in tricky situations, displaying his experience to stay calm and play his way out from defence. Put in a number of strong tackles and had great range of passing. Scored his penalty.

Aidan Steele (7): One of Carrick’s best players, firing in a number of dangerous deliveries from set-pieces. A fantastic piece of skill resulted in him creating another chance. A source of real energy in midfield and didn’t stop running all evening. Provided the assist for Lecky. Scored the winning penalty.

Ben Buchanan-Rolleston (6): Came close to finding Carrick’s equaliser in the first half but sent his header wide from Steele’s delivery. Plenty of energy down Carrick’s left.

Joe Crowe (7): Tracked across brilliantly to stop Gormley latching onto a dangerous ball down the line from Reece Jordan. Carrick’s enforcer, Crowe put in a number of strong challenges in midfield and broke up play.

Paul Heatley (6): Always a threat with his pace, Heatley attempted to get in behind, but the Cliftonville defence dealt with him in the first half. Booked for a late challenge on Harry Wilson. Was very bright after the break and had a couple of chances to score.

Matthew Snoddy (6): Marshalled Carrick’s midfield. Was the first player booked for a late challenge on Hale – probably the reason why he was taken off at half-time and replaced by Adam Lecky.

Subs

Adam Lecky (8): Made an instant impact after coming on, showing good strength with his hold-up play and linked well with teammates. Struck home an equaliser from Steele’s cross.

CLIFTONVILLE

PJ Morrison (6): Barely had anything to do in the first half. Pulled off a tremendous save to deny Adam Lecky and was forced into action once again to deny Gibson.

Jonny Addis (6): It was Addis who played a long ball into Gormley to set up Curran’s opener. Always looked like he had extra time on the ball and almost doubled the Reds’ advantage, seeing a strong effort blocked. Booked in the closing stages for a foul on Heatley.

Harry Wilson (6): Went about his business well in midfield. Produced a superb block which denied Heatley after Carrick attacker found himself in space inside the box. More of a prominent figure in second half. Booked for a challenge on Crowe.

Rory Hale (6): The Reds skipper whipped in a pinpoint free-kick which Leppard almost got contact on, a prime chance to go further ahead in the first half. Booked for a push on Heatley. Was at the heart of Cliftonville play. Scored his penalty.

Ryan Curran (7): Opened the scoring with a fine strike from edge of the box, slamming beyond Pengelly to seal the dream start. Linked up well with strike partner Gormley. Put the ball on a plate for Liam McStravick who should have scored late on. Blazed his penalty high over the bar.

Shaun Leppard (6): Was a threat in the Carrick box with his aerial prowess. Probably should have doubled the lead after 34 minutes, but couldn’t get desired contact on Hale’s delivery.

Reece Jordan (6): Given a big opportunity by manager Jim Magilton after being recalled from a loan spell at Loughgall, Jordan was bright on Cliftonville’s left and almost sent Gormley in behind early. Tracked back with the dangerous Place.

Joe Gormley (7): The Irish League legend provided an assist for Curran’s opener and looked dangerous every time he was on the ball in the early stages. Cut inside off the left to fire a strike which looked destined for goal before Burns’ block. Blazed a shot wide in the second half.

Aidan Kelly (6): A rare occasion where a player made his club debut in a final, former Cliftonville youth product Kelly looked assured alongside the experienced Addis and stood up to Carrick’s late surge.

Joe Toole (6): Continuing to amass senior experience during his Irish League loan, Toole provided an outlet for his side down the right and looked to cut inside on a number of occasions.

Adebayo Fapetu (6): Looked bright with a couple of nice passes. Was late with number of challenges and perhaps fortunate to not get booked. Won a free-kick in dangerous position which Gormley struck at Pengelly.

Subs

Conor Pepper (6): Came on for Gormley in the final 15 minutes and played his part in midfield.

Liam McStravick (6): Replaced Fapetu. Had a huge chance to score in the dying moments but sent his effort over the crossbar from close range. Missed penalty.