Irish Cup holders Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville, finalists in both of the past two years, have advanced to the quarter-finals of this season’s competition after dramatic comeback wins on Saturday.
Coleraine were also among the winners as an extra-time Matthew Shevlin hat-trick proved enough for them to defeat Carrick Rangers 4-1 at Taylors Avenue. Ben Wylie had opened the scoring but Adam Lecky equalised.
Andy Mitchell’s goal ensured that Dungannon progressed to the last eight courtesy of a 2-1 triumph at Portadown.
Shay McCartan put the hosts ahead but Sean McAllister had Rodney McAree’s side level before the break.
Jonny Addis’ stunning strike five minutes into stoppage time gave Cliftonville a dramatic 2-1 win over Glenavon at Solitude.
Luke McGerrigan put the Lurgan Blues ahead, then Joe Gormley equalised and the Reds had Sean Robertson sent-off, before Addis’ late decisive intervention.
Premiership leaders Larne stayed on track for a first-ever Irish Cup success as Matty Lusty and Tiarnan O’Connor were on target in a 2-0 win over Warrenpoint Town.
Two goals from Ethan Devine and one from Caolan Murphy saw H&W Welders past Ballymacash Rangers 3-0 while Loughgall were 2-1 home victors over Institute.
Paul McElroy broke the deadlock at Lakeview Park, Callum Deery equalised, and Kirk McLaughlin netted the winner.
Limavady United stunned Linfield 1-0 on Friday night, while Glentoran’s game against Amateur League side Drumaness Mills was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and will now be played at the Oval on 17 February.
