Monday 22 Jan 2024

Intermediate Cup | Third Round recap

Derriaghy CC recorded arguably the standout result of the McComb's Coach Travel Intermediate Cup third round with a 4-1 away win over NIFL Premier Intermediate League side Banbridge Town.

Barry Moore opened the scoring for the visitors when he squeezed an eighth minute spot kick past keeper Niall Brady.

Michael McCavitt levelled for Banbridge with around a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock before Curtis Black restored Derriaghy's advantage midway through the first half by taking the ball round Brady and into the unguarded net after Jordan Baker had flicked on Jonah Nicholl's goal kick.

Jamal Dupree added a third for the visitors just after the half-hour mark with a curling effort from just inside the area from Nicky Napier's lay-off - with Napier himself completing the scoring eight minutes from time after Jake Cowan had played the ball across the area.

Derriaghy's NAFL Premier Division stable mates Ards Rangers also accounted for NIFL opposition with a two-goal defeat of Tobermore United at Drome Park.

Michael Hunter broke the deadlock on 77 minutes from the spot before grabbing his second to make sure with just a couple of minutes remaining.

However, a number of Premier Intermediate League sides did make it through to the last 16.

Ballymacash Rangers had to come from behind twice to defeat Aquinas by the odd goal in five at Rathmore Grammar School.

Niall Atkinson fired Aquinas in front as early as the fifth minute, with Jordon Morrison levelling for Rangers after half-an-hour.

That was how it stayed until the 74th minute when Christopher McAuley restored Aquinas' lead but 'Cash responded almost immediately through Mark Drysdale, with Stuart Clarke bagging the winner for Lee Forsythe's side five minutes from time.

It was a much more straightforward passage for Dollingstown and Queen's University who both hit three goals without reply on the road past Dromara Village and Rosario YC respectively.

All three goals for the Dollybirds came in a blistering 16-minute spell early in the second half. Conall Curran grabbed the 50th minute opener, Stephen Flanagan doubled up just before the hour and Daniel Gordon completed the scoring a few minutes after that.

The Students raced into an early two-goal lead at the Ulidia Playing Fields thanks to goals from Lorcan McIlroy and Christopher Middleton within the opening quarter-of-an-hour, with Matthew Hughes hitting their third in the closing moments.

Armagh City had goals from Conor Mullen and Marc McConnell to thank for their 2-0 win over Windmill Stars at Holm Park, while Lewis Tosh, John Butcher and Ian Parkhill all found the net as Limavady United registered a 3-1 victory over Fivemiletown United.

Comber Rec were top scorers on the day, hitting six past Crewe United at Park Way, but they had to come from behind to do so after Henry Cromack had edged the visitors in front from the spot after 10 minutes.

Dylan Wilson levelled on 27 minutes, with no further scoring until the 65th minute when Brandon Nelson handed Comber the advantage followed swiftly by a Stuart Moore finish.

Wilson then bagged two further goals to claim his hat-trick- the only one of the day - before Brett Conville wrapped things up right at the end.

There was a remarkable finish at Knockramer Park as Immaculata hit two stoppage time goals to account for Oxford Sunnyside.

With extra-time looming large after a scoreless 90 minutes Darren Murray fired Mac in front in the 91st minute before Brian Kennedy struck a sensational second just a couple of minutes after that.

One game did go to extra-time, however, as Dunloy bagged a late equaliser against Wakehurst at the Ballymena Showgrounds before goals from Michael O'Mullan and Deaglan Smith helped the visitors to secure their place in the fourth round.

Elsewhere Larne Olympic, Strabane Athletic, Rosemount Rec and Newbuildings United also made it through, all with a one goal winning margin and all away from home!

Two games fell foul of the weather, the 'tie of the round' between Abbey Villa and Crumlin Star at Adams Park and Wellington Rec's visit to Ballymena United Reserves.