Monday 26 Oct 2026

Clearer Water Irish Cup | Third Round recap

The Clearer Water Irish Cup continued on Saturday, with a number of ties braving Storm Boelo to deliver an afternoon packed with goals and drama.

National Conference League leaders Portstewart cruised to a 4-1 victory over Seapatrick at Havelock Park, with Jake Martin scoring twice inside the opening eight minutes before Caolan Loughran made it three. Conor Weir pulled one back before half-time, but Zach Barr sealed the win in the second half.

Ballymacash Rangers looked to be cruising after building a 6-0 lead against Islandmagee, with Gledis Cakaj and Andrew McGrory both scoring twice alongside efforts from Stuart Clarke and Harry O’Neill. However, Islandmagee hit back through Sam Morrow, Callum McLean and two goals from Alexander Hawthorne to make it 6-4, but Ballymacash held on.

Lisburn Distillery also progressed after extra-time, defeating FC Mindwell 3-2 at Banbridge High School. Callum Dougan and Jack Boyd put the Whites two goals ahead before Jake Gorman’s penalty and Oisin Ginesi’s equaliser forced extra-time. Joshua McKee headed home Ross Ferguson’s free-kick in the 110th minute to settle the tie.

Oxford Sunnyside advanced with a win over Rosario YC thanks to goals from Eoin Morgan and Ronan McAlinden, while Greenisland knocked out Ballyclare Comrades after extra-time, with Dylan Moore and Michael Dunn finding the net at Dixon Park.

Ballymoney United and Wellington Rec. both scored five times against Drumaness Mills and Hanover respectively, while Desertmartin netted four against Holywood.

Abbey Villa, Aquinas and Comber Rec. also secured fourth-round places with victories over Albert Foundry, Newmills and Kilmore Rec. respectively.

Five ties did fall victim to the weather, however, with Dollingstown v St James’ Swifts, Killyleagh YC v Shankill United, Mossley v Maiden City, Coagh United v Sirocco Works and Ards Rangers v Crumlin Star all rescheduled for Saturday 31 October, with 1.30pm kick-offs.