Monday 14 Sep 2026

Clearer Water Irish Cup | Second Round recap

The Clearer Water Irish Cup delivered another weekend of goals and drama, with 30 clubs booking their places in the next round of the competition.

Early National Conference League pacesetters Portstewart continued their impressive start to the season with a 4-0 victory over St. Mary’s (Newtownabbey) at Mullaghacall.

The Seahawks moved in front just before the interval when Aidan McDaid found the net, before taking control after the break with further goals from Alexander Gawne, Orrin McLaughlin and Dean Brown.

Ballymacash Rangers were joint-highest scorers on the day, with the third-placed NCL side hitting eight past Newcastle Town at the Bluebell Stadium.

Gledis Cakaj and Corey Hamilton both claimed hat-tricks, while Stuart Clarke also found the net, with the hosts completing the rout through an own goal.

Islandmagee also struck eight times as they swept aside Killymoon Rangers at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena.

James Holland claimed the match ball after a treble, while Ryan Nimick and Callum McLean both contributed two goals apiece, with Andrew Paisley also on target.

There were hat-tricks elsewhere, too, as Conall Curran scored three times for Wellington Rec. in their victory over Dromara Village at Brookvale Park.

Oxford Sunnyside also continued their winning start under new boss Shea Campbell with a comprehensive victory over Shamrock, with Adam Salley taking home the match ball after a prolific display.

Two ties required the drama of penalties to determine the winners, with Killyleagh YC edging past Newtowne at the Showgrounds, while Newmills travelled to Belfast and emerged victorious against Donegal Celtic.

For sheer cup drama, however, it would be difficult to look beyond the events at Ashfield Boys, where St. Matthew’s appeared to be cruising against Albert Foundry.

Goals midway through each half from Liam McManus and John Paul Lagan looked to have set the home side on course for a comfortable victory.

But Albert Foundry had other ideas.

Phoenixx Martin pulled one back in the 89th minute before the 18-year-old struck again in stoppage time to level the contest.

With extra-time looming, Foundry refused to settle for another 30 minutes and completed an extraordinary turnaround right at the death, with Neil Ballentine striking to secure the most dramatic of victories.