IRISH CUP: No major shocks but Annagh push Linfield all the way
The showpiece Irish Cup got under way last night (Tuesday) with seven games.
One of the most intriguing was at Windsor Park where Portadown-based Championship side Annagh United put up a brave fight before losing 2-0 to Linfield - the most successful side in the competition's history.
But it was the Annagh who nearly took the lead with a flicked back header fromStephen Acheson, latching onto a Craig Taylor long throw.
In the end, though, goals from Andy Waterworth and Shayne Lavery, who had started on the bench, saw the Blues through.
Elsewhere, Portstewart were swept aside 5-1 by Cliftonville, Belfast Celtic downed 3-0 by Carrick Rangers, and Ballyclare Comrades beaten 2-1 at Warrenpoint.
In the meeting of Premiership clubs, Crusaders knocked out Coleraine with a 1-0 win at the Showgrounds, Ballymena got past Portadown 4-1, and Dungannon Swifts put out Glenavon, winning 2-1 at Mourneview.
It is a reduced tournament this year as a result of the covid pandemic.
Holders Glentoran got a bye into the second round.