Ups And Downs In The Irish Cup Round 5

Drumaness Mills win against Armagh City but Comber Rec goes down to Ballymacash Rangers

There was both joy and heartbreak for local County Down teams in the Irish Cup Round Five matches on Saturday (10th January 2026).

Drumaness Mills pulled off a tremendous win over Armagh City away from home at Holm Park while Comber Rec suffered a defeat to the hands of Ballymacash Rangers in Lisburn writes Jim Masson.

Initially Comber had a home advantage but the referee called the match off as the pitch at Park Way was deemed unplayable as there were no floodlights so the match was moved at short notice to the Blue Bell Stadium in Lisburn.

The kick-off was at 3pm and Comber went down two goals to Harry O’Neill in the 18th and 53rd minutes and were unlucky not to have scored having hit the post on two occasions and had several wides. Then in the 85th minute when tempers were rising, Robinson netted for Ballymacash but the game was virtually over as Comber’s Brandon Nelson had been red-carded followed by Clarke from Ballymacash then Christopher Murray was shown a red and he too set off to the changing rooms on 89 minutes.

Ballymacash had clung on desperately to their lead. And there were appeals too in the second half for hand balls in the Ballymacash box on two occasions as Comber struggled to pull back the goals.

Comber had opportunities and didn’t seize them on the day, but never-the-less they had a good campaign beating Glebe Rangers 8-1 in October and Hanover 3-1 in November.

(Match photos to follow tomorrow).

Drumaness Mills Celebrate Their Win

It was a day of celebration for Drumaness to get into the last 16 teams in the Irish Cup, a tournament which is one of the four oldest in the world.

In the Round 6 draw they will face either Strabane or Glentoran on Saturday 7th February. It will be an uphill task for Drumaness Miils but they have beaten strong opponents so far and they won’t be push-overs.

Manager Ciaran Brannigan said he was “delighted with the win and that Drumaness Mills and the team will give round 6 their best shot whoever they are drawn against.

“It is just brilliant that the team has reached this level getting into the last 16 teams. The management, coaches and fans are proud of them. But we will be preparing for the next one just as well as we have done for the other matches.

“We do need to be injury free to ensure all our players are on form and available. Calum Davidson picked up two yellow cards in the early games and has therefore been suspended but will be ready to play in Round 6.

“Unfortunately our winger Adam Kearney is still off with a knee injury and he might not be fit for a while yet. He is a nippy wee player and creates situations from nothing so has been a big loss to us this season. Let’s hope we see him back soon.

“Against Armagh we started well and had a few early chances. The lads were confident and it gave me a good feeling. I just felt then they could do it.

“The game was played in good spirits which was positive as there were no injuries to carry forward.

“Adam Garland opened the scoring in the 13th minute against Armagh City when he knocked in a free kick from the right. This was a dream start for us the and the pressure was off and the team quickly gained in confidence.

“The next goal came from Reece Doyle in the opening minute of the second half when he took advantage of a defensive error and found an open goal and slotted the ball in.

“Tom ‘Neill was later clipped in the Armagh box when tackled by two defenders and a penalty was awarded. We were already two goals ahead. Jack Sharvin stepped up to the spot and scored securing our place in the sixth round.

“But 5 minutes later Ethan Doogan-Ballantine scored Armagh’s only goal from a penalty making it 1-3.

“Then in extra time Declan Looney sealed the win with a late goal. It was magic!”

And if Macclesfield FC can beat Premier League side Crystal palace 2-1 then there is always hope for the ‘minnows’ in Northern Irish soccer when Drumaness Mills get stuck into Round 6 whoever they face.

Ciaran added: “We are still in the Clarence Cup so we are giving the team and indeed the fans something to cheer about this season.

“But this coming Saturday 17th January will be a different ball game. Crumlin Star, will be visiting Meadowvale at 2pm and that match will definitely be a cracker as both teams are eager to secure the points to keep themselves well positioned at the top end of the Premier League.”