Brave Welders downed in Cup by late Larne goal

Larne's Andy Ryan celebrates scoring
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 4th Mar 2023
Last updated 4th Mar 2023

An 89th minute Andy Ryan goal saw Larne edge out Championship Harland and Wolff Welders in the Irish Cup quarter-final on Friday night.

Larne spurned a host of first half chances and looked like they may be made to pay as the Welders created some good second half openings themselves - chiefly through Michael McClean.

The contest seemed set for extra-time before substitute Lee Bonis provided a cutting ball which Ryan latched onto to steer home.

On Saturday afternoon Dungannon Swifts progressed to the last four with a 2-1 win at Cliftonville. Joe Gormley netted a late goal for the Reds, but a Rhyss Campbell double was enough to book the Swifts' place in the semi-finals.

Ballyclare Comrades pushed Premiership Ballymena United to extra-time, before going down 3-1. It is a fourth year in a row United have made the semi-finals.

Dungannon will play Crusaders and Larne will face Ballymena in the semi-finals.

In the Premiership Newry City lost 1-0 at home to Glenavon. Jamie Doran's first half goal proved to be the difference between the sides.

Carrick Rangers are back to winning ways after a 3-1 success at Portadown - Nedas Maciulaitis' strike proving enough to keep at bay any hopes of a Ports comeback.