Late drama as Crusaders and Cilftonville progress

There was late drama in the BetMcLean Cup as Crusaders and Cliftonville both picked up injury-time victories, while Armagh City knocked out Glenavon on penalties.

After a goalless draw after extra-time, James Carroll missed the crucial penalty in sudden death as the Championship side defeated Glenavon 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic shootout.

At Seaview, Philip Lowry scored an injury-time winner as Crusaders defeated Coleraine 2-1 in the last-16.

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 scored in stoppage-time as the Reds beat Bangor 1-0 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.

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 shock of the night came at Holm Park as Armagh City stunned Premiership side Glenavon on penalties.

The sides could not be separated after 120 minutes, although Glenavon had a penalty appeal overturned in extra-time.

Michael O’Connor missed Glenavon’s first penalty in the shootout, as Armagh went within one kick of reaching the next round.

However, Noeem Oladunjoye missed the Championship side’s fifth penalty to send the shootout to sudden death.

Both sides scored their next efforts before Aaron Coogan missed for the hosts, however goalkeeper Gareth Deane could not capitalise and seal the win for Glenavon.

That proved to be costly as Jack Clarke would put Armagh 8-7 up before Carroll’s costly and decisive miss.

Philip Lowry’s dramatic stoppage-time winner was the difference as Crusaders overcame Coleraine 2-1 at Seaview in a pulsating encounter.

The Bannsiders dominated the early exchanges, with Jamie McGonigle squandering two clear opportunities before 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 when Shevlin continued his prolific form.

He notched his 13th goal of the season with a clinical header from Connor Murray’s first-time cross following McGonigle’s backheel.

The Crues emerged transformed after the interval and drew level when 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.

There was also late drama for Cliftonville who needed Corrigan’s late effort to book their place in the next round against Championship side Bangor.

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.

Ballymena United secured a quarter-final berth thanks to Donal Rocks, who netted early at the Showgrounds to edge the Sky Blues past Ards.

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.

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

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