A David Cushley penalty, after James Teelan had been fouled, followed by a second goal from Curtis Allen had Stuart King’s men 2-0 up within half an hour as they went in search of the point that would secure seventh place.

Glenavon responded when the ball hit Ben Tilney on the back and deflected it into his own net as the Carrick defence failed to deal with a dangerous free kick delivery from Niall Quinn out on the left wing five minutes before half time.

There were a few nervy moments for Carrick in the second half, particularly when David Toure’s powerful shot from the corner of the penalty area, stung the palms of Ross Glendinning, who then made a fine fingertip save from Connor Kerr in injury time.

In the final moments there a standing ovation for Sean Ward as he was substituted, marking the end of his career at the age of 40.

Carrick will now face Crusaders in the Play-Off Semi-Final at Seaview on Wednesday night but will do so without Teelan, who was sent off along with Robert Garrett after the pair clashed deep in injury time.