by Q Radio Sport
Crusaders and Ballymena will meet in the Toals County Antrim Shield decider on January 23rd after winning their semi-finals on Tuesday night.
The Sky Blues beat Ards 3-0 at the Showgrounds to reach a final for the sixth consecutive season.
Steven McCullough, Conor McCloskey and Cathair Friel scored for David Jeffrey's team.
Crusaders edged past Carrick with a 1-0 home win thanks to a first-half header from Jordan Owens
The visitors had midfielder Mark Clarke sent off in the second half.
It was closer than many had expected and winning boss Stephen Baxter admits competing on all fronts has taken its toll...
He's giving the players a night off from training ahead of Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership clash with Glentoran...
Carrick manager David McAlinden says he's disappointed by the Shield exit but pleased with the battling performance...
The venue for the Shield final is due to be decided next week.
Meanwhile, former Linfield striker Mark McAllister has left the Crues to join Premier Intermediate League Annagh United in his native Portadown.
The County Armagh club says he can't play for the firsts until the January transfer window, but can line out for second string Annagh United Strollers in the Mid-Ulster League.