MATT FINISH TAKES OUT MALLARDS AT DEATH

Snoddy saves Crues at Seaview on night of late drama all over

CHAMPIONS Crusaders produced an spirited comeback to overcome Championship outfit Ballinamallard United at Seaview on a dramatic night of Bet Mclean third round action.

It looked as though Ballinamallard, who are sitting bottom of the second tier of Irish League football, were set to deliver the shock of the season when 16-year-old Micheal Glynn gave the Fermanagh men the lead on 65 minutes.

Glynn showed maturity beyond his tender years to finish with aplomb but the Crues displayed fighting qualities in the closing stages to reach the last eight of the competition.

First on 80 minutes Kyle Owens popped up to equalise much to the relief of Stephen Baxter and the Crues support and then in injury time Matthew Snoddy came up with a classy lob to ensure that the Shore Road men didn’t need extra-time.

Crusaders had made wholesale changes from the side that defeated Cliftonville 3-2 in the league game on Friday night and until late in the fray it seemed like they would pay the price until Owens and Snoddy had the final say.

There was also injury time drama at Solitude with CLIFTONVILLE finally seeing off the threat of Championship team CARRICK

RANGERS 3-2.

Levi Ives had curled home a brilliant free-kick early on before Joe Gormley struck a first half penalty. At that stage Barry Gray’s men were in control but Carrick mounted a fabulous revival netting through Daniel Kelly and Lloyd Anderson late on. They suffered disappointment though when that man Gormley delivered the decisive last gasp strike.

There was also a painful finish for

WARRENPOINT TOWN who lost 3-2 to DUNGANNON SWIFTS after extra-time.

The tie looked as though it would be going to penalties until holders Dungannon netted in the 119th minute through Seanan Clucas.

Earlier the Tyrone men took the lead through Jarlath O’rourke with Philip Donnelly levelling before the break. An Anto Reilly own goal looked as though it would win the day for put Dungannon but a sensational effort from Donnelly in the dying moments of normal time took the game into extra time.

Injury hit ARDS won 4-1 at Championship outfit DERGVIEW, who conquered Glenavon in the last round. Michael Mcclellan scored a brace, one a penalty, with Ryan Strain and Kyle Cherry also on target for Colin Nixon’s side. Garth Falconer netted for the home side.

BALLYMENA UNITED also put on a late, late show to earn a 1-0 victory at home to H & W WELDERS thanks to Jude Winchester’s injury time strike.

PRESSURE Rory Donnelly goes on attack for Cliftonville against Carrick