Danny Gibson registered nine goals in this season’s Irish Premiership campaign.
A remarkable hat-trick from Danny Gibson propelled Carrick Rangers to a 5-2 advantage after the opening leg of the Irish Premiership promotion/relegation play-off.
The away side began with real intensity and maintained control throughout, with Carrick’s leading marksman Gibson opening the scoring after just 11 minutes.
Luke McCullough’s expertly directed header from a corner landed invitingly for Gibson, and the ex-Glentoran striker finished assuredly at the near post, setting Carrick on course.
Carrick doubled their lead six minutes later, this time with Gibson the provider. His incisive through-ball dissected the defence, allowing Paul Heatley to break clear and apply a composed finish past the goalkeeper.
Stephen Baxter’s side continued to press. At the half-hour, a trademark long throw by Joe Crowe unsettled Annagh’s defence.
Nedas Maciulaitis reacted quickest, heading down for Gibson, who rifled home from close range for his second of a commanding first half.
With the home side struggling to regroup, Gibson completed his treble four minutes before halftime. Crowe again was pivotal, flicking on Little’s long goal kick to Gibson,
who broke clear to drive a precise low effort beyond the keeper, capping a clinical first-half display by the Premiership outfit.
Ciaran McGurgan’s Annagh United showed determination after the interval, reducing the deficit on 49 minutes when substitute Craig Taylor sent in a long throw that Lee Upton headed firmly home from close range, providing a brief lifeline.
However, Carrick quickly reasserted dominance, netting their fifth just before the hour mark.
Gibson continued to impress, nodding on Crowe’s long free-kick to create chaos in the box.
The ball deflected kindly off Maciulaitis, falling for Heatley, who slammed in his second of the night.
Gibson nearly added a fourth, showing neat footwork to round Nathan Kerr but, under pressure, sent his effort narrowly wide.
Annagh did manage a late consolation in stoppage time when substitute Taylor’s outstanding free-kick found the top corner, giving them renewed hope ahead of Friday’s decisive second leg.