Two very late goals brought Comrades a thrilling victory over Dollingstown in the National Conference League Cup.

The first half was a tight affair with defences very much on top. Both sides struggled to create any real chances. The visitors shaded the attacking possession, but Comrades’ backline defended well.

The second half began in a similar closely fought fashion. However, the breakthrough came on 59 minutes. Dollingstown won a throw-in deep in Comrades’ territory. It was launched in towards the towering Duke who headed the ball on to the back post where Campbellwas there, sliding in to finish from close range.

Following this, Comrades began to exert pressure. Initially they struggled to cause any real danger. There was only really a shot on 75 minutes hit by Ashton McDemott from 20 yards and initially spilled by the keeper which posed any threat.

At the other end, the visitors had a chance in the 77th minute as Ewart got a shot in from the right side of the area, which had to be turned wide for a corner.

In the latter stages of the match the hosts ramped up their attacking play and began to make good chances. On 83 minutes a cross played into the box from deep by Callum Cowan found Cameron Alexander in space at the back post, but his header across goal went just wide of the target.

A few minutes later Jack Johnston did well to head the back from the by line towards Lewis Mearns who from a very tight angle hooked a shot towards the far post which was deflected wide for a corner. Comrades equalised in the 86th minute from this corner as the ball was recycled back into the area where it was headed on into the six-yard box, falling to Elliot McKim who hooked it into the net to equalise.

A minute later Dollingstown had an opportunity to regain the lead when Gordon got free on the right side of the box, but his resulting shot was fired into the side-netting.

Comrades then grabbed a dramatic winner in the last minute of the ninety. New signing Liam Toman drove into the box from the left, outstripping a defender, and delivered an accurate ball in to find Lewis Mearns seven yards from goal. The striker controlled the ball turned and finished confidently, as Dixon exploded in a cauldron of noise.

Following the match, the Comrades were drawn against Portstewart in the semi-final, while Dergview will meet Rosario in the other semi-final.

Many thanks to match and ball sponsors, Robert Hamilton and Eddie Higgins.