Archived Match
This match took place on 20 March 2026.
See commentator listings for today's matches.

Watch Carrick Rangers v Linfield on NIFL TV: Jonny Martin and Curtis Allen Commentary Guide

Football fans in the UK eager for Northern Ireland Premiership action tonight can tune into NIFL TV for the Carrick Rangers v Linfield clash at 19:45 UK time. This subscription-based streaming service, available with geo-restrictions and pay-per-view options, brings every moment of the match from the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena, offering dedicated coverage for supporters outside traditional free-to-air broadcasters like ITV, BBC, Sky or TNT.NIFL TV Official Site

The star of the broadcast will be main commentator Jonny Martin, a seasoned voice in Northern Irish football commentary with years of experience calling Premiership games for NIFL TV and local radio. Martin's sharp insights and passionate delivery have made him a favourite among fans, often praised for his ability to capture the intensity of big matches. Joining him as co-commentator is Curtis Allen, a former prolific striker who netted crucial goals for Carrick Rangers, including in past encounters against Linfield. Allen's transition from player to pundit brings authentic analysis, drawing from his on-pitch battles, such as his 72nd-minute strike in a 3-1 Linfield win over Carrick in November 2024[3][5]. His career highlights include consistent scoring across the league, making his perspective invaluable for dissecting tactics and player performances.

Carrick Rangers, currently sitting 7th in the table, host league leaders Linfield in 4th place, in what promises to be a fiercely contested Gameweek 33 fixture[2][5]. Carrick have shown resilience at home, with 5 wins from 16 league games, averaging 1.38 goals scored per match, though they concede 1.69[5]. Recent form includes draws and narrow victories, like a 2-1 win over Glenavon, highlighting their fighting spirit[7]. Linfield, however, boast a superior record with 18 wins, 56 goals scored and just 22 conceded, averaging 1.75 goals per game[5]. They've dominated head-to-heads, remaining unbeaten in the last 8 meetings against Carrick (7 wins, 1 draw)[4]. Past clashes at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena have been goal-fests: a 3-2 Linfield victory in April 2024, and 3-1 in November 2024, with Linfield's attack, led by top scorer Matthew Fitzpatrick (54 goals this season), overpowering Carrick's defence[3].

Expect Linfield to leverage their away form, where they've secured 5 wins and scored 18 goals while conceding 15[5]. Carrick, buoyed by home support at Taylors Avenue (also known as Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena), will aim to exploit Linfield's occasional vulnerabilities, having played them twice already this season[2][3]. Probability models give Linfield a 56.43% chance to score first, underlining their edge[3]. Key battles include Carrick's defence against Linfield's potent forwards, with stats showing both teams score in 66% of Carrick's matches and over 2.5 goals in 59%[5].

With Jonny Martin's expert play-by-play and Curtis Allen's insider knowledge – honed from his days as a goal machine in the Premiership – NIFL TV viewers are in for top-tier analysis. Martin has covered countless derbies, bringing context from Linfield's historical dominance, while Allen's goal-scoring pedigree (including strikes in high-stakes games) adds depth to discussions on finishing and set-pieces. This duo elevates the stream beyond mere visuals, perfect for British fans following the NIFL Premiership.

Don't miss live stats like possession, shots, corners and cards, as Carrick chase an upset against the Blues[1][2]. Linfield's low concession rate (0.69 per game) suggests a tight affair, but Carrick's home BTS record (69%) hints at goals[5]. For UK punters and neutrals, NIFL TV is the go-to, bypassing geo-blocks with a subscription. Whether you're backing Carrick's grit or Linfield's firepower, this match encapsulates the Premiership's excitement. Tune in at 19:45 for Martin's call and Allen's breakdowns – it's unmissable Northern Irish football action.

(Word count: 712)

Article generated: 20 March 2026, 19:46 GMT

p

View full listing for Carrick Rangers v Linfield