Glens beat Blues to progress as holders Carrick bow out
Glentoran progressed to the next round of the County Antrim Shield with a 3-1 victory over Linfield at the Oval, while holders Carrick Rangers were knocked out by Crusaders on penalties at Seaview. The results mean last season's champions exit the competition early, with Crusaders instead advancing after a dramatic finish forced a shootout.
Jordan Jenkins scored twice in the opening six minutes to put Glentoran in control, and although Charlie Chapman pulled a goal back for Linfield after the break, substitute Cal Weatherup restored the two-goal cushion late on to seal victory. At Seaview, goals from Jacob Blaney and Owen Wardell put Crusaders firmly ahead despite playing much of the second half with ten men following Donal Rocks' red card, but Carrick staged a late fightback, including a stoppage-time own goal, to take the tie to penalties, which Crusaders won 5-4.
- Glentoran beat Linfield 3-1 to reach the next round.
- Crusaders knocked out holders Carrick Rangers on penalties.
- Carrick's shootout defeat ended their Shield title defence.