Carrick Rangers 5–3 Queen's University: Goal Fest at Taylors Avenue

Carrick Rangers and Queen's University served up an eight-goal thriller in their International Club Friendly on 22 July 2026, with the NIFL Premiership side emerging 5-3 winners. The match saw end-to-end action throughout, with both defences struggling to contain the attacking intent.

Queen’s University of the NIFL Championship stunned the home crowd by taking a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, capitalising on two defensive errors. Carrick responded before half-time, pulling one back through a header from a free-kick, then equalising just before the whistle with a neat finish from the edge of the box.

The second half was a wild affair. Carrick scored twice in quick succession to lead 4-2, but Queen’s reduced the deficit with a penalty. However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished when Carrick added a fifth with a low drive from 20 yards in the 78th minute.

Key Moments

• 8′ – Queen’s open the scoring (0–1).
• 19′ – Queen’s double the lead (0–2).
• 35′ – Carrick pull one back (1–2).
• 45′ – Carrick equalise (2–2).
• 53′ – Carrick take the lead (3–2).
• 60′ – Carrick make it 4–2.
• 68′ – Queen’s score penalty (4–3).
• 78′ – Carrick seal victory (5–3).

Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King will be delighted with the attacking display but concerned at the defensive lapses. Queen’s University can take heart from their spirited performance against higher-tier opposition.