The Clearer Water Irish Cup Round Three proved a difficult afternoon for Mid Ulster Football League representatives, with all four competing clubs exiting the competition despite determined performances. Newmills, Hanover, Seapatrick and FC Mindwell saw their cup campaigns come to an end against strong opposition, bringing the league’s interest in this season’s competition to a close at the Round Three stage.
Wellington Rec 5-1 Hanover – Wellington Rec delivered the most emphatic result of the round, producing an impressive attacking display to record a 5-1 victory over Hanover. The hosts were clinical throughout and comfortably secured their passage into the next round.
Seapatrick 1-4 Portstewart – Portstewart booked their place in the next stage with a convincing 4-1 away success against Seapatrick. The visitors showed their quality in the final third, pulling away after a competitive opening period to seal progression.
Aquinas 2-1 Newmills – Aquinas edged a closely contested encounter against Newmills, claiming a 2-1 victory. Despite a determined performance from the visitors, Aquinas made home advantage count and moved safely into the next round.
FC Mindwell 2-3 Lisburn Distillery (After Extra Time) – The tie of the day came at FC Mindwell, where Lisburn Distillery required extra time to overcome stubborn opposition. After an entertaining ninety minutes could not separate the teams, Distillery struck the decisive blow in extra time to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory and a place in the next round.