It’s been a busy, action-packed day in the Irish Cup and Irish Premier League as we approach the business end of the season.

There were three cup quarter-finals including Crusaders v Glentoran at Seaview.

The other links saw Ballymena United host Ballyclare Comrades and Cliftonville Dungannon Swifts.

Meanwhile, there were two games in the Premier League and there were valuable points at stake at the bottom of the table.

Basement Portadown are looking for their third successive win as they entertain Carrick Rangers at Shamrock Park.

And at the Newry Showgrounds it was Newry City v Glenavon.

Check out our updates on all five games.

key events

  • It’s us!
  • FT | Ballyclare Com 1-3 Ballymena Utd (AET)
  • PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Com 1-3 Ballymena Utd
  • PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Comrades 1-2 Ballymena Utd
  • FT | Cliftonville 1-2 Dungannon Swifts

It’s us!

That’s us for today’s live blog.

We hope you enjoyed our updates from all five of today’s Cup and Premier League fixtures.

Until next time…

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Draw semi-finals

The draw for the semi-finals has been made.

Look HERE

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FT | Ballyclare Com 1-3 Ballymena Utd (AET)

Ballymena United are in contention for the semi-finals after beating Ballyclare Comrades 3-1.

The game went into extra time and goals from Andy McGrory (penalty) and Davy McDaid eventually proved the difference.

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PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Com 1-3 Ballymena Utd

Davy McDaid makes up for his earlier penalty by scoring Ballymena’s third.

This could be it.

The Sky Blues led 3-1 in the second overtime.

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On the street again

The second overtime period began at Dixon Park.

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ET/HT: Ballyclare Com 1-2 Ballymena Utd

We reach the break in extra time at Dixon Park and Ballymena lead.

Andy McGrory’s penalty now separates the sides.

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PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Comrades 1-2 Ballymena Utd

Andy McGrory takes it and sends the keeper the wrong way.

Now 2-1 Ballymena in first overtime.

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PUNISHMENT!

Another one for Ballymena United.

They missed their first.

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The semi-final draw occurs

You can watch the draw live HERE on our second blog

Scheduled start is shortly after 5:00 p.m.

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FT | Cliftonville 1-2 Dungannon Swifts

What a shock about Solitude.

Rhyss Campbell’s brace gave Dungannon a big win.

Joe Gormley scored a consolation for the Reds in injury time.

Great result for Dean Shiels team.

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Premier League result

Carrick Rangers defeated Portadown 3-1 at Shamrock Park.

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FT | Crusaders 1-0 Glentoran

The defending champions, Crusaders, are in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.

They defeated Glentoran 1-0 thanks to Jordan Forsythe’s first half goal.

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Premier League result

Glenavon defeated Newry City 1-0 at the Showgrounds.

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PURPOSE!! Cliftonville 1-2 Dungannon Swifts

The Reds retire at halftime.

And at Solitude there is a five minute extension.

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Expansion at Dixon Park

Ballyclare and Ballymena United finished the game 1-1.

They get 30 minutes of extra time and if they cannot be separated after that, there is a risk of a penalty.

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Enter the added time

Most games are at half time.

Your team continues or is eliminated.

Or possibly on the way to renewal.

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LOST!

Davy McDaid’s penalty saved by Declan Breen!

Ballymena are missing out on a huge opportunity.

A good save, to the right of the goalkeeper.

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PUNISHMENT!

In the 87th minute to Ballymena United.

The game is nicely balanced at 1:1.

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PURPOSE!! Portadown 1-3 Carrick Rangers

Carrick edge closer to a road win. They now lead 3-1 at Shamrock Park.

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PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Comrades 1-1 Ballymena Utd

Good ball in the middle by Steven McCullough and Josh Kelly does well to land in the net.

Deserved equalizer after some pressure in that second half.

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PURPOSE!! Cliftonville 0-2 Dungannon Swifts

The shock is definitely present at Solitude!

Dungannon doubled their lead in the 57th minute.

Rhyss Campbell with his second goal of the game, pushing the ball past Nathan Gartside on a counter attack.

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PURPOSE!! Cliftonville 0-1 Dungannon

Shock for the cards at Solitude.

Rhyss Campbell went close to head home to give Dungannon the lead.

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PURPOSE!! Portadown 1-2 Carrick Rangers

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Press Ballymena

Kym Nelson cleared a header off the line, then Kenny Kane had a free header straight at the Ballyclare keeper.

Great options.

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Halfway through the Irish Cup

  • Crusaders 1-0 Glentoran
  • Ballyclare Comrades 1-0 Ballymena Utd
  • Cliftonville 0-0 Dungannon Swifts
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Half time of the Premier League

  • Newry City 0-1 Glenavon
  • Portadown 1-1 Carrick Rangers
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PURPOSE!! Newry City 0-1 Glenavon

Glenavon takes command of the showground.

Jamie Doran’s shot pushes past Newry keeper Brady.

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PURPOSE!! Ballyclare Com 1-0 Ballymena Utd

Ballyclare take the lead at Dixon Park.

Nice goal from Caomhan McGuinness in the 38th minute.

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PURPOSE!! Crusaders 1-0 Glentoran

First blood for the Crues.

Adam Lecky returns a pass to Philip Lowry, whose shot crashes off the post and Jordan Forsythe is on hand to finish.

1:0 for Crusaders!

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PURPOSE!! Portadown 1-1 Carrick

The gates are at the back.

Mark Russell bundles a cross from Paul McElroy over the line to make it 1-1.

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