LINFIELD eased to a 5-0 victory on Tuesday night against Championship 2 side Glebe Rangers, inspired by an Ivan Sproule brace.
TJ Murray netted after five minutes, opening his account for the Blues. Andy Waterworth’s 76th minute goal was followed by Sproule’s double and Aaron Burns made it 5-0 to complete the rout at Windsor Park.
Glentoran secured a 1-0 victory over the PSNI at the Oval, Curtis Allen getting on the scoresheet early on after his saved header rebounded to the grateful striker.
Crusaders also made it into the third round, with a 3-1 victory against Knockbreda at Seaview. A Gavin Whyte wonderstrike on the half-volley from 30 yards opened the scoring in the first half. Dylan Wilson equalised with 20 minutes remaining, but man of the match Matthew Snoddy and Whyte responded to give the Crues the victory.
Ballinamallard hammered Banbridge Town 5-0 at home, thanks to goals from Steve Feeney, Leon Carters, Johnny Lafferty and a brace from Michael McCrudden.
Coleraine progressed with a 3-1 victory against Ballyclare at the Showgrounds. Two from new signing James McLaughlin and a tap-in from Rodney Brown meant Michael O’Hanlon’s late goal for the Comrades was a mere consolation.
Victory on penalties ensured Carrick’s progress to the third round against Lurgan Celtic. Scoreless after normal time, a spot-kick from Lurgan’s Aaron Haire and a Gary Brown equaliser brought the game to penalties. Carrick goalkeeper Brian Neeson was the hero, saving Gavin O’Neill’s effort and scoring the deciding penalty.
Premiership side Ballymena United needed extra-time to advance against Moyola Park, 4-1. Chris Dowie netted for the underdogs from the rebound after his penalty was saved and David Cushley’s low drive levelled matters with 15 minutes remaining. Moyola’s challenge faded in extra-time however – a Matthew Shevlin double and Tony Kane gave Ballymena the victory.
Larne held Portadown 1-1 after 90 minutes, but the Ports also advanced on a 4-1 scoreline. Darren Murray opened the scoring, but a Larne goal in the 92nd minute by Guillaume Keke ensured another 30 minutes. Michael Gault, Maurcio Soares and another Murray goal decided matters in extra-time.
