Jenkins double gives Glens win over Carrick

A first-half Jordan Jenkins double proved enough to give Glentoran a 2-0 home win over Carrick Rangers.

The win is a second straight victory for interim manager Paddy McCourt since the recent departure of Declan Devine as Glens boss.

Both Jenkins' strikes came in an entertaining opening 45 minutes, with the game losing its fizz in the second period.

Carrick should have scored at least once as they went close on numerous occasions.

The game started in frenetic fashion with two big penalty shouts inside the opening five minutes.

Firstly, the visitors believed they should have had a spot-kick after Paul Heatley charged into the area and looked like he may have been caught by Glens' skipper Marcus Kane. Referee Tony Clarke put his whistle to his lips but then waved play on.

Then just seconds later at the other end it was the Glens turn to appeal for a spot-kick.

The ball was crossed from the left and it appeared to hit defender Kym Nelson on the arm after rebounding up from his leg. Protests rang around the ground, but Clarke remained unfazed once more.

Glentoran were rewarded on eight minutes though with the opening goal.

A long throw from Ryan Cooney on the right was headed on by Daniel Larmour. The ball fell kindly for Jenkins at the back post and he poked home from close range past Nathan Gartside in goal.

On 26 minutes it was number two for Glentoran and Jenkins.

Ross Clarke went on a mazy run through the Carrick defence before losing possession on the edge of the area. However, the ball rolled sidewards to Jenkins who curled home a fantastic right-footed effort that went high into the top right-hand corner of the goal giving Gartside no chance.

Six minutes later and the Glens almost grabbed a third as a scramble inside the box ended with Ross Clarke firing in an effort from close range, but Gartside was quick to react and dived low to parry the ball away.

Just a minute after the restart Carrick almost grabbed one back. Ben Buchanan-Rolleston provided a deflected cross in from the left that Andrew Mills should have claimed but instead he allowed it to bounce and it was flicked out towards the edge of the area where Heatley drove in a low effort that whistled just past the left upright.

Then just before the 70-minute mark Danny Gibson raced clear down the right for Rangers before he squared to Adam Lecky at the back post.

Lecky was no more than a yard out from goal but managed to strike the post when it appeared easier to score.