Limavady United claimed a memorable Clearer Water Irish Cup scalp as they stunned Linfield at the Coleraine Showgrounds to become the first side to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Linfield went close to taking an early lead when Euan East’s low cross deflected off Kieran Farren and struck the inside of the post, but that escape appeared to settle the Championship side. Limavady grew into the contest, enjoying increased spells of possession and posing a threat on the counter-attack.
The breakthrough came on 28 minutes. Stephen Lowry threaded a clever through ball in behind the Linfield defence and Ryan McNickle, on loan from Ballymena United, showed great composure to lift the ball over the advancing Chris Johns and into the net.
Linfield were handed a golden opportunity to equalise nine minutes later when Adam Mullan brought down East in the penalty area, but Matthew Fitzpatrick’s resulting spot-kick struck the base of an upright and bounced clear.
At the other end Martin Gallagher produced confident saves to deny Josh Archer and Matt Yates, ensuring the Roesiders went in at the break with the upper hand.
The Blues dominated possession in the second half as they searched for a way back into the tie, but Limavady defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the break. John Butcher fired over after a strong run, while substitute Lewis Tosh almost wrapped up the victory when his low shot came back off the post.
Linfield’s frustration grew when Charlie Allen’s deflected cross clipped the crossbar, before Gallagher capped an outstanding performance by producing a superb stoppage-time save to push away Kyle McClean’s powerful strike from distance.
The sixth round action continues tomorrow with the following fixtures:-
Saturday 7 February 2026
(All 3pm kick-offs)
- Carrick Rangers v Coleraine
- Cliftonville v Glenavon
- Glentoran v Drumaness Mills
- H&W Welders v Ballymacash Rangers
- Loughgall v Institute
- Portadown v Dungannon Swifts
- Warrenpoint Town v Larne
Image: Ryan McNickle celebrates with Leon Boyd after scoring Limavady United's winner
