Sunday, December 22, 2024

Late drama as Crusaders and Cilftonville progress

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Philip Lowry scored an injury-time winner as Crusaders defeated Coleraine 2-1 in the last-16 of the BetMcClean Cup.

Matthew Shevlin had given Coleraine the lead before Lowry netted twice to send the Seaview side through.

Cliftonville also left it late as Ryan Corrigan netted in injury-time and Dungannon Swifts survived a scare to defeat Dollingstown 3-1 at Stangmore Park.

Ballymena United defeated Ards 1-0 at the Showgrounds while Annagh United eased past Queen’s University 2-0.

Championship side Armagh City have taken Glenavon to extra-time after a goalless draw at Holm Park.

Philip Lowry’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sealed a remarkable comeback as Crusaders overcame Coleraine 2-1 at Seaview in a pulsating League Cup encounter.

The Bannsiders dominated the early exchanges, with Jamie McGonigle squandering two clear opportunities. The former Derry City striker first fired wide from Jack Scott’s precise through ball before dragging another effort off target after pouncing on defensive uncertainty from Jacob Blaney.

The hosts struck the woodwork through Mal Smith’s long-range effort midway through the first half, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.

Matthew Shevlin continued his prolific form, notching his 13th goal of the season with a clinical header from Connor Murray’s first-time cross following McGonigle’s intelligent backheel.

The Crues emerged transformed after the interval and drew level when Philip Lowry’s deflected shot found the net after Stewart Nixon’s knockdown from Jordan Stewart’s delivery.

Dean Shiels’ outfit defended resolutely as the north Belfast side pressed for a winner.

Just as the match appeared headed for a draw, O’Rourke turned provider in the 90th minute. The full-back’s precise free-kick found Lowry at the back post, and the midfielder volleyed home to spark wild celebrations among the home support and secure a quarter-final berth for Declan Caddell’s men.

Dungannon Swifts, who won the trophy in 2018, survived a scare against Premier Intermediate Side Dollingstown but ran out 3-1 winners.

Kyle McGuiggan put the third-tier side ahead at Stangmore Park before Andrew Mitchell equaised in the 68th minute.

John McGovern turned the game around 10 minutes later before James Knowles made sure of the win in injury-time.

Annagh United also booked their place in the next round with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Queen’s Univeristy, who had stunned Carrick Rangers in the first round.

Kenny Ximines opened the scoring in the first half before Jack Hastings secured the win.

Due to their Uefa Conference League commitments, Larne’s tie will Institute will be played on 19 November while Linfield against Glentoran has been pushed back to 3 December.

The draw for both the last eight and semi-finals will take place on Wednesday at 15:00 GMT.

Second round scores

Annagh United 2-0 Queen’s University

Armagh City 0-0 Glenavon (Extra-time being played)

Ballymena United 1-0 Ards

Bangor 0-1 Cliftonville

Crusaders 2-1 Coleraine

Dungannon Swifts 3-1 Dollingstown

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