Larne and Loughgall completed the Clearer Water Irish Cup sixth-round line-up with victories over Ballymena United and Knockbreda respectively.
Gary Haveron’s side overcame the Sky Blues by the odd goal in three at the Showgrounds, while the Villagers saw off their Premier Intermediate League opponents at Lakeview Park.
The Inver Reds moved in front following a sustained period of pressure on 35 minutes when Tomas Cosgrove’s cross was deflected into the path of Paul O’Neill, who showed composure to take a touch before finishing low to put the visitors ahead.
Ballymena nearly struck back just before the break, but Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson produced an excellent reaction save to deny Daniel Lafferty from point-blank range.
The hosts responded strongly after the interval and were rewarded in the 56th minute with a stunning equaliser from Success Edogun, who unleashed an unstoppable strike from over 20 yards into the top corner.
Ballymena pushed for a second, with Edogun later missing a one-on-one chance, but Larne regained control and retook the lead in the 72nd minute. Once again Cosgrove was the provider, his cross breaking to Leroy Millar at the back post for a simple finish.
Millar almost doubled his tally late on when his shot struck the inside of the post, but Larne held firm to see out the win and progress, earning the right to face Warrenpoint Town at Milltown on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Loughgall eased into the next round with a comfortable 2–0 home win over Knockbreda.
The Villagers took the lead in the 33rd minute when Paul McElroy reacted quickest to convert the rebound after the Knockbreda goalkeeper saved Kirk McLaughlin’s initial effort.
Knockbreda battled on, but any hopes of a comeback were ended late in the contest.
In the 82nd minute, Aaron Prendergast broke clear before squaring the ball for McLaughlin, who made no mistake with a simple finish to secure Loughgall’s passage into the last sixteen and a home tie against Institute on Saturday.
The revised sixth round fixture list is as follows:
- Carrick Rangers v Coleraine
- Cliftonville v Glenavon
- Loughgall v Institute
- Limavady United v Linfield
- Warrenpoint Town v Larne
- H&W Welders v Ballymacash Rangers
- Portadown v Dungannon Swifts
- Glentoran v Drumaness Mills
The eight ties are due to be played on the weekend of Friday 6/Saturday 7 February.
The tie between Limavady United and Linfield will be the livestreamed game in the Sixth Round. BBC Sport NI is set to stream the match on 6 February (7.45pm kick-off).
Image: Gary Haveron celebrates after Larne’s victory over Ballymena United
