Crumlin Star will face Rathfriland Rangers in the McComb’s Coach Travel Intermediate Cup final later this month after both sides came through their semi-finals on Wednesday evening.
Holders Crumlin Star reached a fourth consecutive final with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Moyola Park at the Blanchflower Stadium after a 2-2 draw.
Conall Cunningham gave Star the lead in the 17th minute, finishing from the edge of the box after a deflected cut-back. Moyola Park responded on 34 minutes, with David Parkhouse converting from a cross to leave the sides level at the break.
Kevin Lynch restored Star’s advantage early in the second half, but Moyola equalised again in the 72nd minute when Luca Doherty reacted quickest after Parkhouse’s header came back off the post.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the tie to penalties. Star converted all five of their spot-kicks (Aidan Lillis, Pol Og Hendry, Calum Trainor, Finlay McMullan and Domhnall Cosgrove), with goalkeeper Ciaran McNeill saving from Kenneth Kane to secure their place in the decider.
Rathfriland Rangers also required extra time to progress, edging past East Belfast at Lakeview Park.
Rangers made the brighter start, with Jake Corbett heading wide and Matthew Holloway going close, before East Belfast created chances of their own after the break.
However they were reduced to ten men late in normal time, and Rathfriland made their numerical advantage count with periods of sustained pressure in extra time, forcing Christopher Carson into a number of saves, while Josh Cooper struck the post.
The winner eventually came in the 108th minute, when Jack Barbour’s cross was met by Harry Campbell, who headed into the bottom corner to seal Rathfriland’s place in the showpiece occasion.
McComb's Coach Travel Intermediate Cup final
Crumlin Star v Rathfriland Rangers
Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
Venue: Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
Kick-off: 19:45
Image: Crumlin Star's Aidan Lillis is presented with the Player of the Match trophy by Intermediate Cup Committee member John Morgan.
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Jordan Hayes and Aidan Lillis receive their Player of the Match awards
