Extra-time heroics, last gasp winners and moments of individual brilliance shaped a dramatic day of Clearer Water Irish Cup sixth round action.
Matthew Shevlin will grab many of the headlines after hitting an extra-time hat-trick as Coleraine got past Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.
The Bannsiders struck first on the stroke of half-time when Ben Wylie pounced on a defensive lapse to fire past Lorcan Donnelly.
Carrick showed real resilience after the break and thought they had their moment when Adam Lecky smashed home an equaliser eight minutes from time.
But Coleraine regained the lead in the second minute of extra-time as Shevlin headed home Rowan McDonald’s pinpoint cross before doubling his tally on 105 minutes after converting Joel Cooper’s low cross at the second attempt.
He well and truly put the game to bed eight minutes later when he raced clear to drill a low shot past Lorcan Donnelly.
Ruaidhrí Higgins’ charges have been paired with temporary tenants Limavady United in the next round, who kicked the weekend off in style with a dramatic victory over Linfield at the Showgrounds.
Cliftonville v Glenavon
Cliftonville snatched a dramatic late victory over Glenavon at Solitude thanks to one of the goals of the round from Jonny Addis.
The visitors led for a long period after Luke McGerrigan curled a sublime opener into the far corner midway through the first half.
The Reds struggled to break the Lurgan Blues down until Joe Gormley levelled somewhat fortuitously on 65 minutes, the ball clipping off him and rolling slowly over the line.
Cliftonville were dealt a blow when Sean Robertson was dismissed for a second booking, but they overcame their numerical disadvantage deep into stoppage time after Rory Hale rolled a free-kick into the path of Addis, who unleashed a superb first-time strike into the top corner.
Jim Magilton’s side will travel to face Loughgall in the next round after the Villagers enjoyed a hard fought victory over Institute at Lakeview Park.
Paul McElroy set the tone early with a powerful long-range strike that proved too hot to handle for Jack Mills.
Institute responded well and drew level through Callum Deery, who found the far corner early in the second half, but the decisive moment came just after the hour mark when a long ball sent Kirk McLaughlin clear and the forward made no mistake, rifling into the roof of the net.
Portadown v Dungannon Swifts
Holders Dungannon Swifts continued their defence of the trophy after coming from behind to defeat Portadown at Shamrock Park.
The Ports made a dream start when Shay McCartan smashed a stunning early opener, but the Swifts hit back through Sean McAllister, whose powerful finish ensured parity at the break.
The key moment arrived 15 minutes from time when substitute Andrew Mitchell glanced Corey Smith’s free-kick over Alex Moore to put the holders ahead. Portadown pushed hard late on and went agonisingly close through Josh Ukek and Lewis MacKinnon, but the Swifts held firm to progress.
Rodney McAree’s side will host HW Welders in the last eight following a strong second-half display to get the better of Ballymacash Rangers at Blanchflower Stadium.
After a scoreless first half, Ethan Devine broke the deadlock on 71 minutes after meeting a headed knock-down, before doubling his tally seven minutes later with a close-range finish.
Substitute Caolan Murphy added a third late on, reacting quickest after Jordan Williamson’s initial save, to cap a convincing win.
Meanwhile, a goal in each half helped Larne overcome Warrenpoint Town’s challenge at Milltown.
Matthew Lusty bundled home from close range inside four minutes to give the visitors the perfect start.
That was how it stayed for over an hour before Tiarnan O’Connor settled any lingering doubt with a magnificent curling free-kick into the top corner.
Larne were subsequently drawn away to Glentoran or Drumaness Mills in the quarter-finals. Their tie at the Oval was postponed following a morning pitch inspection but has been rescheduled for Tuesday 17 February, kick-off 7.45pm.
The draw for the quarter-finals, conducted by Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood and Michael Carvill (PFA NI).
With ties to be played on the weekend of Friday 6th/Saturday 7th March the full draw reads:-
Dungannon Swifts v HW Welders
Glentoran or Drumaness Mills v Larne
Limavady United v Coleraine
Loughgall v Cliftonville
Image: Jonny Addis powers home Cliftonville's stoppage time winner
