New recruits get off the mark north of the border

Barry Molloy and Stephen O'Flynn both opened their account on their full debuts as Crusaders recorded a comprehensive 6-0 win over Newington Youth in the Irish Cup on Saturday afternoon.

 

Former Derry City midfielder Molloy scored the goal of the game as he rattled in an unstoppable eighteen yard drive on 38 minutes to put the home side three to the good going in at the break.

 

O'Flynn had to wait to the closing stages to get his name on the score sheet as the ex-Limerick man tapped home a cross at the back post. His goal was sandwiched by two strikes by former Ireland U/21 international and Kerry native, Diarmuid O'Carroll, who scored his sixth goal for the club since his move from local rivals Cliftonville in the summer.

 

There was also a debut for Robert Bayly when he made his first appearance for Cliftonville after his move from Shamrock Rovers as the champions advanced to the sixth round with a 6-0 win over Ards Rangers at Solitude.

 

The day was overshadowed however by a serious head injury to Larne's Scott Irvine. The wing back crashed into the perimeter wall close to the his side’s dugout at Inver Park following an innocuous challenge. The player received urgent and lengthy medical attention pitch side before the referee decided to abandon the Irish Cup fifth round clash with Carrick Rangers in the 28th minute. Irvine was then taken to the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital where it is believed he is being treated for fractures to the face and head.

 



Larne manager David McAlinden:

 

 

Irish Cup sixth round draw. All ties to be played Saturday, 7th February:

Ballyclare Comrades v Dungannon Swifts



Bangor v Crusaders

Cliftonville v Ballymena United

Glentoran v Armagh City

HW Welders v Glenavon

Larne or Carrick v Institute

Linfield v Warrenpoint Town

Portstewart v Portadown

 

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