LIMAVADY United boss Paul Owens said his players' Christmas sacrifices had been rewarded by the stunning 1-0 extra-time victory over back-to-back Premiership champions Larne in the Clearer Water Irish Cup clash at the Showgrounds – with the sixth round draw then producing a huge Glentoran v Linfield showdown at the Oval.
A Ruairí Boorman goal five minutes from the end of extra time booked the Championship club’s spot in the last 16, in which they will face Crusaders at Seaview on the weekend of January 31 and February 1.
Just two weeks ago Larne stunned Belgian kingpins Gent with an historic 1-0 Europa Conference League triumph at Windsor Park but Limavady refused to be intimidated by their visitors' big reputation.
Owens said: “It’s a surreal feeling. I’m delighted. It’s a reward for the players because they’ve made a real sacrifice over the festive period with no drink and less family time.
“The win was fully deserved. It’s great for everyone involved with the club. Hopefully this is a real springboard to a great end to the season,” added Owens whose side are in second spot in the chase for promotion to the top flight and go to Championship leaders Bangor on Friday night.
“We went toe-to-toe with a full-time professional team. We looked the fresher team and that’s massive credit to our players. The scenes at the end in the crowd were amazing.
“It’s a tough draw but we’ve league games to concentrate on before then.”
On what was a great day for Championship sides, Annagh United and Ards ended the campaigns of top-flight Portadown and Ballymena United respectively.
Annagh edged the neighbouring Ports 3-2 at a packed BMG Arena, while Ards beat the Braidmen 2-1 at the Showgrounds.
Annagh boss Ciaran McGurgan said: “We played really, really well. Overall we deserved to win. Bangor is a tough draw but it’s an opportunity for a Championship team to progress to the quarter-finals. Hopefully we can get through.”
Ards manager John Bailie felt his team were good value for their victory at Ballymena.
He said: “We played really well. Moyola or Belfast Celtic will get the respect they deserve. It’s a chance to get into the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup.”
Irish Cup holders Cliftonville eased to a 4-0 home win over Banbridge Rangers with the minute’s silence observed at all the grounds for the late Michael Newberry particularly poignant at Solitude where the 27-year-old was a player before his sudden death last week.
Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton said: “Michael Newberry was an outstanding individual and he will be very sadly missed. Today was about a lot more than a game of football.”
Carrick Rangers beat Newry City 4-3 in a Taylor’s Avenue thriller, while Premiership leaders Linfield defeated Wellington Rec 4-0 at Windsor Park, former Antrim GAA star Matthew Fitzpatrick bagging a hat-trick.
Four matches were called off because of frozen pitches and will be played on January 14.
Clearer Water Irish Cup sixth round draw: Dollingstown/Ballyclare Comrades v Institute/Loughgall; Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine; Bangor v Annagh United; Ballinamallard United v Carrick Rangers; Belfast Celtic/Moyola Park v Ards; Glentoran v Linfield; Cliftonville v Glenavon/Dundela; Crusaders v Limavady United
Ties to be played on January 31/February 1