Crusaders and Ballymena secure semi-final places

Crusaders and Ballymena have secured their places Irish League Cup semi-finals, with wins over Glentoran and Ards respectively.

Tuesday night’s action saw just one goal prove the difference between Ballymena and hosts Ards.

And the Sky Blues had to wait right until the death for Jude Winchester to had them the 1-0 win.

It was a different story at the Oval, with Glentoran taking just seven minutes to grab a goal courtesy of Robbie McDaid.

The sides then traded goals – Jordan Owens providing Crusaders’ equaliser before Curtis Allen put the Glens back in front just nine minutes later.

But the second half saw the Crues forge ahead.

Three unanswered goals – from David Cushley, Owens with his second of the game, and Paul Heatley – ensured Crusaders ran out the 4-2 winners.