Three top flight sides were dumped out of the Clearer Water Irish Cup by Championship opposition as fifth round day produced its usual serving of high drama and intrigue.
Limavady United, currently second in the Championship, will grab the lion's share of the headlines after they stunned defending league champions Larne at The Showgrounds.
Scoreless after 90 minutes, the Roesiders bagged a famous victory when, just six minutes from the end of extra time, Ruairi Boorman was quickest to react to the loose ball after Larne keeper Rohan Ferguson failed to gather a free-kick from the right.
Earlier in the afternoon Annagh United defeated near neighbours Portadown by the odd goal in five following a gripping clash at the BMG Arena.
The Ports raced into an early lead through new signing James Teelan after just six minutes, but Ryan Swan levelled for United with around a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock.
Ciaran McGurgan’s side then edged in front later in the first half after Jack Evans tucked home Craig Taylor’s lay-off before, on 64 minutes, Stephen Murray added another with a neat finish from the edge of the six-yard box.
Steven McCullough reduced the deficit a few minutes after that but Annagh held on to claim the win.
Annagh United v Portadown
And, at The Showgrounds in Ballymena, Ards knocked Ballymena United out after racing into a two-goal lead within the opening half-an-hour.
Lee Newell tapped John Bailie’s side in front on 12 minutes with Aidan Steele converting from the spot midway through the first half.
Ethan Devine pulled one back for the Sky Blues on 77 minutes but there proved to be no way back for the home side.
If it was goals you were after then Taylor's Avenue was the place to be as Carrick Rangers squeezed past Newry City after a seven-goal thriller.
Goals from Lorcan Forde and Ryan McNickle saw the visitors take a strong grip on the game, but Nedas Maciulaitis and Seanan Clucas hit back for Rangers within minutes of each other to level up after half-an-hour.
Jamie Doran restored City’s lead moments after that only for Danny Gibson to grab Carrick’s third almost immediately.
The tie was eventually settled four minutes into the second half when Luke McCullough headed home Kyle Cherry’s delivery.
Ballymena United v Ards
Holders Cliftonville hit four goals without reply past Mid Ulster Intermediate League opponents Banbridge Rangers at Solitude.
The Reds led at the break courtesy of Ryan Corrigan’s finish, with Axel Piesold, Joe Gormley and Kris Lowe all registering goals in the second half.
Linfield, last season’s losing finalists, also found four goals at home as they accounted for Wellington Rec.
Matthew Fitzpatrick was instrumental in the victory with a three-goal haul – the only hat-trick of the day - with Robbie McDaid also finding the net.
Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts both went one better, however, as they knocked five each past Armagh City and Rathfriland Rangers respectively.
Dylan Boyle, Matthew Shevlin, Kirk McLaughlin and Kyle Spence – in addition to an early Ethan Jordan own goal – all scored for the Bannsiders at The Showgrounds, while Brandon Bermingham, Adam Glenny, Andrew Mitchell and two from John McGovern saw the Swifts progress at Stangmore Park.
Crusaders kicked the afternoon off with goals from Philip Lowry and Jordan Forsythe (2) seeing them past Knockbreda while, on Friday night, Glentoran took the lead before having to come from behind to knock Harland and Wolff Welders out at the Blanchflower Stadium.
Elsewhere, Championship leaders Bangor were taken to extra time by bottom of the table Newington at Clandeboye Park before Martin Bradley bagged the winner for the Seasiders, and first half goals from Aaron Harkin and Alex Holder helped Ballinamallard United account for Ballymacash Rangers at the Bluebell Stadium.
Cliftonville v Banbridge Rangers
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