After a difficult week, which saw us exiting the County Antrim Shield and Steel and Sons Cup, Ballyclare Comrades put in a good performance to power past Heights FC and into the next round of the Irish Cup.

The Comrades made the perfect start and took the lead in the 28th minute. Ryan McMenemy finished off a good move to put Ballyclare in front, with Jack Johnston providing the assist.

Heights FC battled to get back into the contest, but Ballyclare continued to look dangerous and the match became increasingly physical, with a number of yellow cards shown to both sides. Oisin O’Mullan, having been booked early in the half for a foul on Daniel Gordon, was then shown a second yellow for dissent, further complicating Heights’s route back into the game.

Ballyclare doubled their advantage shortly after the break. In the 51st minute, Daniel Gordon found the net, with Liam Toman supplying the assist. At 2–0 down and a man short, Heights were facing an uphill battle to keep their cup hopes alive.

The home side then put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute, as Lewis Mearns got his name on the scoresheet to make it 3–0.

There was still no shortage of competitive edge as the game wound down, with further yellow cards shown to Heights for dissent and tired challenges.

The result sends the Comrades through into the hat for the next round, while leaving Heights FC to reflect on a difficult afternoon.