Cup football always produces no shortage of surprises and drama and Saturday was no exception with over 70 clubs taking to the pitch to kick off the 2022/23 Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup.
Amateur League side Willowbank, making their debut in the competition, ran out comfortable 4-1 victors over last season's Intermediate Cup finalists Armagh City.
The Eagles were one of a number of NIFL Premier Intermediate League sides to exit at this early stage. Joining them were Tobermore United who went down 1-0 at Albert Foundry, while second half goals from Jake Keegan and Jackson Nesbitt (two) helped Bourneview Mill account for Lisburn Distillery at Pepperton Park.
It was a similar tale of woe for Portstewart as they bowed out away to Grove United, while Comber Rec proved too strong for PSNI at The Dub.
Banbridge Town were top scorers on the day with a nine-goal haul at home to Ballynahinch United, including a Reece Doyle hat-trick. Also claiming the match ball was Valley Rangers' Steven Patterson as he helped his side come from two goals down to blast past Shorts 7-4 at Bignian Park.
Elsewhere Lisburn Rangers fought back from going two goals behind at home to Rosemount Rec to emerge 3-2 winners thanks to goals in the closing 20 minutes from Adam McCallum, Christopher Doherty and Torin Kerr.
Quickest off the mark was Richhill AFC's Ethan McAtarsney who found the net after just two minutes as his side squeezed past Dromara Village at Bellsbridge.
And it wouldn't be cup football without a bit of penalty shootout glory and agony. Three games went all the way to the dreaded spot kicks with Markethill Swifts, East Belfast and Newbuildings all progressing at the expense of Drumaness Mills, Rathfriland Rangers and Wellington Rec respectively.
