Tennents Irish Cup 6th Round Review 6th February 2016

The Tennents Irish Cup reached the 6^th Round stage on Saturday afternoon with seven out of the eight ties taking place. Carrick Rangers suffered yet another postponement with their match against Crumlin Star called off due to the ongoing problems with their home pitch.

The holders Glentoran are out of this year’s competition following a 4-1 defeat to Glenavon at The Oval. On an emotional afternoon it was apt that Glenavon took the lead in the 10^th minute through Rhys Marshall just as both sets of supporters were beginning a minute’s applause in memory of the late Mark Farren. They doubled their lead eight minutes later through former Derry City midfielder Ciaran Martyn, while Eoin Bradley and Joel Cooper completed the rout in the second half. Glentoran’s consolation goal game courtesy of an og from Glenavon defender Kris Lindsay.

Last years runners up Portadown are through to the quarter finals after a 3-1 win over Coleraine at Shamrock Park. The Ports goals came from three ex League of Ireland players. Ken Oman, Gary Twigg and Philip Lowry to end a six game run without a win. Coleraine had equalised, after Oman’s goal in the first half had opened the scoring, through James McLaughlin.  

Premiership leaders Crusaders had a comfortable passage to next round after a 3-1 victory over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. Andy Mitchell had given the Crues the lead in the 11^th minute before the Swifts equalised against the run of the play on the half hour mark through Cormac Burke. However further goals from Michael Carvill and an own goal from Douglas Wilson ensured the Crues progression.

Cliftonville also had a comfortable afternoon with a 4-0 victory over Championship 2 side Sport and Leisure Swifts. Jay Donnelly was the hero netting a hat trick with Ryan Catney completing the scoring for The Reds.

Linfield were the biggest scorers of the afternoon, racking up seven without reply against Championship 1 side Armagh City. Andrew Waterworth scored four, with Aaron Burns adding a brace and Stephen Fallon completing the rout with his first goal for the club.

There will be Championship 1 representation in the last eight with Mid Ulster sides Loughgall and Lurgan Celtic both progressing. Loughgall beat fellow Championship side Knockbreda 2-0, with in form striker Warner Mullen grabbing both goals. Meanwhile Lurgan Celtic progressed to the quarter finals for the first time in their history after a 1-0 win over the PSNI thanks to Aaron Haire’s late goal.

The quarter final draw took place after the completion of Saturday’s matches with the stand out tie being Cliftonville against Linfield. Elsewhere Glenavon host Loughgall, Portadown face Lurgan Celtic and Crusaders will travel to the winners of the outstanding 6^th Round tie between Carrick Rangers and Crumlin Star.