Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BURNS’ NIGHT
Billy Joe’s star of the show as Crues send Cup holders crashing out
CRUSADERS dug deep to end Glentoran’s reign as Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup holders with a narrow win over Mick Mcdermott’s men at The Oval.
Billy Joe Burns’ first goal of the season less than 10 minutes into the tie of the round gifted Stephen Baxter’s men a golden ticket to Tuesday’s semi-finals at Mourneview Park.
Last night’s draw pitted the Crues against Larne in the 4pm kick-off on May 18, with Linfield and Ballymena United clashing at 8pm at the same venue on the same date.
Centre-back Burns, a strong man of the match contender, had the visitors ahead just nine minutes into last night’s game.
Ben Kennedy’s corner curled to the back post and the 32-year-old rose to direct a downward header past unsighted Glens keeper Rory Brown.
It was almost 2-0 midway through the first half when a Ross Clarke freekick found Jordan Forsythe six yards out, but the defender’s header crashed back off the post.
Clarke also saw a 25th minute freekick from the edge of the area whistle narrowly wide of the upright, with Glens keeper Brown stranded.
Glentoran’s only real effort of note in the opening period was an eyecatching one, Jamie Mcdonagh’s shot from a quick Gorman corner rattling the underside of the bar.
Ruairdhri Donnelly also had the ball in the net for the Mersey Street men on the hour mark after racing clear, but the striker was flagged offside by the assistant.
Minutes later, the Crues were shouting for a penalty when Adam Lecky’s lofted pass appeared to strike a hand, but referee Ian Mcnabb was unmoved.
Jay Donnelly saw a late shot deflected wide and Crues goalkeeper Tuffey denied a low Ciaran O’connor shot as the Crues held on for a memorable win.
Elsewhere, Ballymena United cruised into the semis with a commanding 5-0 win over Championship club Dergview at the Showgrounds.
A Paul Mcelroy brace and goals from Shay Mccartan, Ryan Waide and Trai Hume did the needful for David Jeffrey’s Sky Blues.
Larne edged into the last four with a 2-1 win over derby rivals Carrick Rangers at Inver Park.
A Kurtis Forsythe own goal and smart finish from Ronan Hale had Larne 2-0 ahead, before a Jordan Gibson goal in the second half for Carrick teed up a nervy finish.
IRISH CUP QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS: Ballymena United 5 Dergview 0
Glentoran 0 Crusaders 1
Larne 2 Carrick Rangers 1
Loughgall 1 Linfield 3