Carrick stunned by Queen's as Armagh beat Loughgall

2 weeks ago 14

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Premier Intermediate side Queen's University have piled further misery on Carrick Rangers with a 1-0 win in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup.

Chris Middleton scored a late winner at Taylors Avenue as Carrick, bottom of the Irish Premiership with eight straight defeats, exited the competition.

Carrick parted company with manager Stuart King following the defeat, which is the club's ninth in 10 matches in all competitions.

Irish Premiership side Loughgall were stunned 3-2 by neighbours Armagh City at Lakeview Park.

Conor McCloskey and Jay Boyd gave Loughgall the lead but Championship side Armagh hit back through Dermot McCaffrey and Noeem Oladunjoye.

Ugo Anny-Nzekwue then netted to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Portadown, who were defeated by Linfield in last season's final, were knocked out by Ards.

Aidan Steele scored a last-minute winner against the Ports, who were reduced to 10 men after Josh Ukek was sent off in the first half.

In a night of shocks, in-form Ballymena United survived a huge scare to defeat Premier Intermediate side Rathfriland Rangers 5-4 on penalties.

However, holders Linfield, Dungannon Swifts, Coleraine, Crusaders, Cliftonville, Glenavon, Glentoran and Larne all progressed.

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Watch: Holders Linfield progress with Dundela win

Linfield comfortable progressed past Championship side Dundela with a 3-0 win at Wilgar Park.

Kirk Millar opened the scoring just after the half hour with an arrowed finish following god work from Joel Cooper and Charlie Allen.

Former Leeds United man Allen added the second just before the hour mark with a shot that Lewis Deane couldn't keep out despite getting a hand to.

Cooper was busy all night and was rewarded with a goal from a narrow angle five minutes from time.

Andrew Mitchell scored a hat-trick as in-form Dungannon Swifts thrashed Portstewart 5-0 at Stangmore Park. Leon Boyd and Steven Scott were also on target for the Swifts.

Matthew Shevlin and Jamie McGonigle both scored twice as Coleraine hammered Championship side Ballinamallard United 4-0 at Ferney Park.

A young under-strength Larne battled past Championship leaders H&W Welders 2-1 at Blanchflower Stadium thanks to two goals by Ambrose Ajala.

Larne will make history when they become the first Irish Premiership side to compete in the league stage of European competition when they face Molde in the Uefa Conference League on Thursday.

Josh Kee gave the Welders an early lead before Ajala's double secured the win for Larne, whose side consisted of players who will not feature in Norway.

Image source, Inpho

Image caption,

Ambrose Ajala scored twice for Larne at Blanchflower Stadium

Crusaders held on to defeat Ballyclare Comrades 3-2 at Dixon Park. Cillin Gilmour opened the scoring for the hosts before Stewart Nixon and Liam Hassin's own goal put the Irish Premiership side back ahead.

Harry Franklin added a third for the Crues, who held on despite Conor Burns' effort for the Comrades.

Glenavon prevailed over Championship strugglers Newington 3-2 at Inver Park.

Niall Quinn and Michael O'Connor gave the Lurgan Blues the lead but Newington hit back through Gerard Storey and Robbie Morrow.

However, there was drama to come as David McDaid hit a late winner.

Charlie Lindsay and David Fisher netted as Glentoran booked their place in the second round with a 2-0 win over Dergview.

Cliftonville are also through with a 2-0 win over Limavady United with goals from Taylor Steven and Destiny Ojo.

Bangor hammered Warrenpoint Town 4-0 to progress. Lewis Harrison and Sonny Redford netted in the first half before Kielan Reid and 45-year-old striker Michael Halliday completed the rout.

Dollingstown put in a comprehensive performance to defeat Newry City 5-1.

Adam Carroll pulled a goal back for Newry after two Jonny Ewart goals had given the third-tier side the lead, but Ben Neill, Harry Norton and Dan Gordon rounded out the scoring.

Mikhail Kennedy hit the winner as Institute defeated Ballymacash Rangers 1-0, while Annagh United defeated Moyola Park 4-2 after extra-time.

The draw for the second round takes place on Wednesday.