Night of drama as spot-on Ballymena and Glentoran reach Irish Cup final
Penalty kicks decide semis at Windsor Park
Northern Ireland welcomed the return of top-flight football last night after the covid shutdown - with two dramatic Irish Cup semi finals at Windsor Park.
Both games, held behind closed doors, were decided on penalties - with Ballymena and Glentoran holding their nerve to reach Friday's showpiece final
Each game had ended in 1-1 after extra time.
In the afternoon kick off David Jeffrey's Light Blues beat derby rivals Coleraine 3-1 on penalties.
And after a thrilling 90 minutes and then extra-time the Glens edged past Cliftonville - 7-6 in the shoot-out.
Veteran keeper Elliott Morris, at 39 the oldest player on the pitch, turned the clock back to save Conor McDermott's spot-kick and send the Glens through
The final on Friday at Windsor will see fans in a stadium for the first time since lockdown in March.
Up to 500 spectators will be allowed in.