Well, we said earlier it was set to be an intriguing night in the Irish Premiership and so it proved.

Table-toppers Larne fall to defeat for a second game with Carrick's first-half blitz enough to see them claim a big win at Inver Park.

Coleraine took full advantage as they saw off Ballymena United to narrow the gap on the leaders to just two points.

We will leave it there for tonight but we're back tomorrow with four games in the Irish Premiership including the 'Big Two' clash between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park, a game you can watch live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC sport NI website and app at 18:00 GMT.

Enjoy the rest of your Friday.

Watch Dan Bent grab a second for Larne deep in added time, but it is too little, too late for the Inver men who fall to defeat.

Carrick weather the storm to record an impressive win as they stretch their unbeaten league run to eight games.

Larne lose at home for the first time in 12 months as their lead at the top of the table is eroded further.

Plenty for manager Gary Haveron to think about ahead of Tuesday night's home game against Linfield.

It's all over at the Showgrounds where Will Patching's first half goal bags all three points for the home side.

The midfielder showed a touch of class to control a pass from Ben Wylie before firing low past United keeper Bradley Wade.

Both sides had chances to score in an entertaining affair but the Bannsiders held on for an important three points.

Ballymena United striker Igor Rutkowski is shown the yellow card for dissent.

Referee Declan Hassan, having repeatedly warned Nathan Gartside about time-wasting, eventually books the Carrick keeper for taking too long over a goal-kick.

Tiarnan O'Connor fires over for Larne in what looks likely to be their last chance of the evening.

Goalscorer Will Patching is replaced by Dean Jarvis for the remaining few minutes.

The fourth official indicates there will be a minimum of five additional minutes.

A last throw of the dice from Oran Kearney as Dean Ebbe replaces Dylan McGeouch.

Dylan Sloan shoots wide for Larne as we enter seven minutes of additional time.

Bradley Wade dives full stretch to his left to turn away Will Patching's goal-bound-effort.

Matt Ridley meets Jordan McEneff's corner with a firm header but puts his effort wide of the post.

That was a good chance for Larne with just under five minutes left.

Ballymena captain Matthew Clarke goes into the book for bringing down Joel Cooper.

A dangerous situation for the visitors with Will Patching lining up the subsequent free-kick.

Carrick's Aidan Steele catches Jordan McEneff who then reacts to the challenge, sparking a brief flare-up.

A yellow card apiece is referee Declan Hassan's summation of the situation.

Coleraine goalscorer Will Patching is the latest player to be booked.

Tiarnan O'Connor finds himself in a good position on the edge of the Carrick penalty area but shoots tamely at Nathan Gartside.

James Hood replaces Danny Lafferty for the final 10 minutes.

Another attacking change from Oran Kearney as they try and rescue something from this game.

A short corner routine from Ballymena ends with Fuad Sule's shot drifting harmlessly past the far post.