Dungannon Swifts boss Joe McAree looks disappointed at the finish

Dungannon Swifts expected confirmation as First Division champions didn't go anything like to plan on Saturday afternoon at Stangmore Park.

Carrick Rangers, who had been annihilated 12-1 at the Tyrone venue in December, shocked Joe McAree's side 2-1 which means Dungannon need a point at Armagh on Monday to be certain of winning the title.

The big occasion seemed to get to the Swifts players.

Crawford McCrae was able to waltz through a hesitant home defence in the 13th minute to put Carrick in the lead.

A defensive howler from normally solid centre-back Kieran Rafferty then enabled the predatory McCrae to ram in Carrick's second 14 minutes later.

Dungannon improved in the second half but all they had to show for their efforts was Johnny Montgomery's penalty three minutes from time.

Second-placed Ballymena could have put even more pressure on the nervous Dungannon side going into Monday's game but Kenny Shiels' team could only draw 1-1 at Bangor.

Crawford McCrae scored both Carrick goals

Both goals came late in the first half at Clandeboye Road with Philip Rogan putting Bangor 1-0 ahead only for Paul Evans to level for Ballymena.

Ballyclare produced an amazing second half comeback to claim an unlikely 4-4 draw at home to already-promoted Limavady.

The Derry side, seeking their sixth successive win, led 2-0 by the 15th minute with Justin McNerlin and Mark McDaid notching the early goals.

Stuart McLean reduced Limavady's lead six minutes from the break from the penalty spot but two Davy Patton goals just after the hour gave the visitors a seemingly unassailable lead.

However, Noel Anderson gave the Comrades hope with a goal on 68 minutes and strikes from Andy Maffey (82) and Gary O'Neill, direct from a corner in injury-time, earned Ballyclare a draw.

In Saturday's other First Division game, Mark Dickson's 27th minute goal was enough to give Larne all three points against Armagh City.

Larne will travel to Bangor on Tuesday with the fourth automatic promotion spot up for grabs.

A point will guarantee Larne promotion but a Bangor victory will see the Seasiders earning a place in the Premier Division.

The fifth-placed team in the First Division will face a play-off against the bottom team in the Premiership which looks likely to be Newry Town.

Daily Mirror Irish League results
Premier Division
Coleraine 2-2 Glentoran
Portadown 0-0 Linfield
Lisburn Distillery 0-0 Glenavon
Ards 0-0 Cliftonville
Newry Town 3-0 Crusaders