Baxter has 'no blame' for Gartside despite error

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter says goalkeeper Nathan Gartside should take "no blame" for the error which led to Glentoran's late winner at the Oval.

Gartside spilled Aaron McEneff's corner with MJ Kamson Kamara poking home the loose ball for the only goal of the game, but Baxter rushed to the defence of his goalkeeper who had earlier pulled off some huge saves.

Indeed, the Carrick boss was happy with how his side performed in east Belfast and while disappointed with the defeat, he could have no complaints with their endeavour.

"I'm exceptionally proud of the team," Baxter told BBC Sport NI.

"Glentoran have exceptional players to bring on from their bench to change football matches and did that tonight.

"We had matched them stride for stride defensively, shut down their passing lanes and were able to frustrate them in many ways.

"The blunder you will talk about with Nathan dropping the ball into the net is hugely frustrating for him, but he has made three brilliant saves. While he's hugely disappointed, there's no blame attached from me - that's the life of a goalkeeper."

Baxter paid further tribute to his players including Joe Moore who returned from Scotland after the funeral of his grandfather to play on Tuesday, while he also revealed defender Billy Joe Burns played through injury and after a number of days attending to his sick child.

"I'm extremely pleased with the efforts and have thanked the team for their performances over the last two months with a small squad," he added.

"Some have played when they shouldn't have so that says it all about the commitment."