County Antrim Shield first round: Cliftonville 2 Knockbreda 1
HOLDERS Cliftonville left it late to seal a comeback win over a battling Knockbreda in Saturday’s County Antrim Shield first round clash at Solitude.
The Reds struggled to make an impact on the game for long periods of the first-half and matters were made worse when club legend Stephen Garrett put Knockbreda in front on his debut for the Championship side.
Cliftonville improved measurably after the break and Michael McCrudden – the man now wearing the number 10 jersey vacated by Garrett – lobbed visiting ’keeper Lewis Deane to level. The hosts could have edged in front from the penalty spot when Conor McMenamin appeared to be tripped in the box, but referee Raymond Crangle saw it differently and booked the Cliftonville forward for diving.
As has happened so often before, it was Joe Gormley, introduced off the bench, who put the Reds in front with the clock running down when he knocked the ball into the corner from close range.
Another Championship side, Dundela, are the next hurdle for the holders after goals from David McMaster, Owain Beggs from the spot and Willie Faulkner secured a 3-0 home win over Queen's.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Glentoran's quest for a first Shield triumph since 2010 got off to a smooth start with victory over Bangor at the Oval. The Glens' patience during a frustrating opening period was rewarded when Seanan Clucas headed home from Jamie McDonagh's corner to give the Premiership side the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Ciarán O'Connor made it 2-0 with a fine curling effort from outside the box.
Glens boss Mick McDermott handed full competitive debuts to summer signings McDonagh and Luke McCullough, while Jay Donnelly was also handed a start.
Glentoran will host Ards, who went through thanks to a Craig McMillen double against Lisburn Distillery at Clandeboye. Larne negotiated their opener with the minimum of fuss as Albert Watson and Dean Jarvis goals steered the Inver Reds to a 2-0 win over Ballyclare Comrades.
Ben Kennedy netted two penalties in the opening 20 minutes as Crusaders beat Harland & Wolff Welders, while a first-minute own goal was enough for Carrick to see off Newington.
County Antrim Shield first round: Carrick Rangers 1 Newington 0, Crusaders 2 H&W Welders 0, Ards 2 Lisburn Distillery 1, Cliftonville 2 Knockbreda 1, Larne 2 Ballyclare Comrades 0, Glentoran 2 Bangor 0, Dundela 3 QUB 0
