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Steven Crawford

Lloyd Anderson strikes late to peg back league leaders Cliftonville

Lloyd Anderson's late equaliser earned Carrick Rangers a deserved share of the spoils in an enthralling 3-3 draw with Cliftonville.

The Reds looked like they were moving six points clear at the top of the league before Anderson struck in stoppage time to earn his side a draw.

Paddy McLaughlin's men went in 3-1 up at half time after goals from Levi Ives, Sean Moore and Ronan Hale, but Kyle Cherry added to David Cushley's first half strike after the break to give the hosts hope.

Read more: Northern Ireland teenager makes debut for Liverpool Under 21s

Cliftonville were buoyant coming into the game after moving to the top of the league on Tuesday night following their 1-0 win over Linfield.

By contrast Carrick Rangers have been struggling for points in the league after a poor run of results, their last victory came in the 2-0 win at home to Portadown in mid-November.

The hosts made a bright start though as David Cushley forced Nathan Gartside into an early save.

The Reds responded though as Ives fizzed a shot wide before Joe Gormley failed to connect with a tantalising Kris Lowe cross.

While Ives' first effort failed to trouble Ross Glendinning with his first effort the keeper was left helpless by the full-back on the quarter hour as he coolly stroked home a free kick from the edge of the box.

Glendinning then did well to deny Ronan Doherty a second goal in a week as we moved towards the 30-minute mark.

It proved vital as the hosts levelled minutes later as Cushley slammed the ball in from close range after Steven Gordon's effort was initially cleared off the line.

Parity lasted only a minute though as man of the moment Moore showed his class kinking past Gordon and Ben Tilney before curling a delightful effort into the far corner.

At the other end Gartside did well to save at the second attempt after Kyle Cherry had tested him from outside the box.

That was the last real action for the Cliftonville stopper though as he was forced off due to injury to be replaced by Gerard Doherty, making his Cliftonville debut at the age of 41.

That led to five minutes being added on at the end of the first half and the visitors took full advantage as Ronan Hale headed in another Ives set piece.

The start of the second half continued in a similar vein though as the home side reduced the deficit inside six minutes of the restart as Cherry ghosted in at the back post to slot home a superb Tilney cross.

It was largely forgettable after that but one big chance was to come right at the death as Anderson fired home the equaliser from close range after Gordon had hit the post.

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