Ballymena United v Crusaders

SEMI-FINAL Larne 0 Ballymena United 2

Newington, who had performed well in the first half, pulled one back just after the break. However, Patrick Downey’s goal was a tad controversial. Ballymena keeper Jordan Williamson appeared to have saved Downey’s downward header on the goal-line, but referee Lee Tavinder decided the ball had crossed the line. Waide headed over the top and then scored on 77 minutes to make it 3-1. Good play down the left flank eventually saw McDaid fire the ball across goal and Waide was on hand to smash it home. Warwick was sent off for a poor challenge on Mikey Place but Newington rallied, with Williamson saving well from sub Nick Beta. Ballymena then missed a couple of chances before Waide wrapped things up when he got on the end of a Wilson cross and swept the ball into the back David Jeffrey’s team reached their fourth consecutive Irish Cup semi-final after overcoming Ballyclare Comrades in extra time at Dixon Park. Craig Farquhar, making his first start for the Sky Blues, found David McDaid with an excellent long pass on 18 minutes. It put McDaid in on goal, however the striker’s shot was saved at the near post by Declan Breen. Ballymena defender Scot Whiteside headed wide prior to the hosts taking the lead on 37 minutes through Caomhan McGuinness, who netted with a piledriver into the top corner. Breen saved a Robert McVarnock shot before producing a wonder stop to keep out a dipping long range shot from McDaid. Then McDaid fed strike partner Kenneth Kane, who scuffed an effort wide. Eventually an equaliser did arrive. On 64 minutes skipper Joshua Kelly got on the end of a Steven McCullough cross and expertly guided the ball into the bottom corner. With two minutes of regulation time remaining McCullough was brought down inside the area. McDaid took the resulting penalty, however his low drive was well saved by Breen. Eight minutes into extra time the Sky Blues were awarded their second penalty of the game – and this time they made it count. McDaid was bundled over in the area and substitute Andy McGrory was given the responsibility of taking the penalty. And he made no mistake. The winner came after 115 minutes when McDaid controlled a clearance from the Ballymena defence and raced goalwards from the halfway line before coolly slotting the ball into the corner of the net. of the net. It was a tidy finish. QUARTER-FINALS Ballyclare Comrades 1 Ballymena United 3 (AET)

Ballymena reached the final after defeating high flying Larne at Seaview. Champions elect Larne were expected to win the last four contest, however David Jeffrey’s side upset the apple cart with a dogged display. And the underdogs scored two excellent goals – through Craig Farquhar and Dougie Wilson – to book their place in the decider. The derby tie between the Mid and East Antrim neighbours produced little in the way of goalmouth action across the piece, however the Braidmen delivered when it mattered. Chances were few and far between in a cagey first half. Just after the half-hour mark Ballymena produced the best move of the half. Ross Redman fired in a pinpoint cross to the onrushing Sean Graham and his header forced a superb save from Larne keeper Rohan Ferguson. Defences continued to be on top at the start of the second half. Larne striker Andrew Ryan skied a shot before Ballymena’s Graham fired an effort over the top from distance and Lee Bonis just failed to connect with a Leroy Millar delivery following a slick Larne move. On 67 minutes Larne substitute Joe Thomson shot straight at Ballymena keeper Sean O’Neill and a minute later Ballymena took the lead. Redman delivered a corner towards the back post and Farquhar powerfully headed the ball past Ferguson. Larne swept forward in search of an equaliser. Tomas Cosgrove crossed for Ryan and he steered a header inches over the bar from eight yards. In the 83rd minute Ballymena doubled their lead. Larne conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Wilson stepped up to expertly clip the ball into the top corner. It was a wonderful hit.

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