Premier Intermediate League sides Moyola Park and Newry City caused major upsets in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night as they defeated Irish Premiership teams Dungannon Swifts and Glenavon.
A goal in the very first minute from Lee McLaughlin proved enough for Moyola, who lead the third tier of the Northern Ireland Football League, to see off the Irish Cup holders 1-0 at Stangmore Park and advance to the quarter-finals.
Newry’s goal after a mere 42 seconds through Keith Dalton’s stunning strike gave them victory by the same scoreline over top flight basement side Glenavon.
Elsewhere, strikes from Jonathan Russell and David Fisher proved enough for last year’s beaten finalists Glentoran to see off Crusaders 2-1 in an all-Premiership tie at the Oval.
Kurtis Forsythe grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.
Coleraine marched into the last eight with a thumping 7-1 win at home to Armagh City, Rowan McDonald opening the scoring and then Oliver Devlin, Lewis McGregor and Declan McManus all on target twice.
Ben Mullen netted late on for the Championship side.
Tiarnan O’Connor was another who grabbed a double on the night as his second-half salvo edged Larne past Bangor 2-1 at Inver Park.
Seven minutes after his introduction, O’Connor headed home Conor McKendry’s cross from close-range and added his and Larne’s second on 84 minutes with a curling strike. Ben Arthurs reduced the deficit for the Seasiders with a consolation goal three minutes from time.
Meanwhile three second-half goals ensured Ballymena United’s passage into the last eight at he expense of Championship opponents Newington at the Showgrounds.
Danny Lafferty, Success Edogun and Calvin McCurry were the scorers for the Sky Blues.
The two remaining second-round ties take place on Wednesday night as Cliftonville host Strabane Athletic and Linfield are away to H&W Welders.
