Glenavon record second victory over Mid Ulster rivals Portadown in a matter of days

In a busy night of knockout action, the County Antrim Shield wasn’t the only competition focusing minds.

There were important battles elsewhere in the Mid-Ulster Cup and Eventsec North West Cup.

A few days after Glenavon’s late winner in the Premiership at Mourneview Park, the Lurgan Blues were reunited with derby rivals Portadown at the same venue.

Stephen McDonnell’s men were still all smiles when they won by a 2-1 scoreline again.

Chris Atherton fired the home side ahead in the seventh minute and goalkeeper Aaron McCarey had to deal with a Paul McGovern shot from the edge of the box in the second half.

Portadown scored the equaliser on 67 minutes through striker Ahu Obhakhan.

But the Lurgan Blues won it when Michael O’Connor headed home from an Atherton cross four minutes before the finish.

The victory saw Glenavon progress to the semi-finals where they are joined by Loughgall and Newry City AFC.

Dungannon Swifts’ clash with Dollingstown has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, October 22.

At Lakeview Park, basement Premiership side Loughgall rediscovered the winning feeling against Championship opponents Annagh United.

Neither side could hit the target in the opening half but the hosts broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Tiernan Kelly shattered United’s resistance.

Caolan McAleer doubled his side’s advantage in the second half and on 76 minutes Ryan Waide converted a back post header to make it 3-0. Annagh grabbed a consolation late on through Jack Hastings.

Newry City AFC, who have just welcomed the return of Darren Mullen as manager after Barry Gray’s departure, edged past Premier Intermediate side Rathfriland Rangers after a penalty shootout.

The clash at Iveagh Park was scoreless at the break but Adam Carroll blasted Newry ahead with his 58th minute finish. Josh Cooper grabbed a late leveller for the Gers to force extra time.

Conor Mitchell saved a crucial spot-kick, allowing Dualta Honney to hammer in the winner.

In the Eventsec North West Cup semi-finals, Coleraine saw off Limavady United 3-1.

Kyle Spence’s first goal for the club on five minutes kicked off the scoring and after the break Corey Smith opened his account for the Bannsiders.

Alex Pomeroy pulled one back for United on 53 minutes but it failed to spark a comeback.

Mackenzie Carse was a creative spark for the Bannsiders and he added Coleraine’s third.

The Bannsiders’ next assignment is against Stephen Baxter’s Carrick Rangers in the Premiership on Saturday.

Dean Shiels’ men will face Ballinamallard United in the decider after they thrashed a young Institute side 7-2.

Stute took the lead at Ferney Park but the Mallards hit back in style to lead 5-1 at the interval and cruise to victory.