Match Reports:- Irish Cup 98/99

Ballymena safely overcame the potentially tricky hurdle of First Division neighbours Larne to progress into the sixth round of this season's Bass Irish Cup.

Although in the end there was never really any doubt about the result (indeed Larne 'keeper Philip Matthews produced some outstanding saves to keep the score down) the home side did suffer the ignomity of going behind after 32 minutes.

A comedy of errors on the half-way line with neither Mark Carlisle and Darren Parker wanting to clear the ball let Stephen Withers gain possession and lay it off to Davy Patton who slotted the ball past the outstretched Robbie Beck at the far post.

However, before the Alan Fraser boo-boys had a chance to find their voice Dublin-based striker PJ O'Connell equalised for United four minutes later. An excellent pass from defence by the impressive David Calderwood found PJ who hit a firm, clean shot past the young Larne 'keeper. It was really no more than United deserved as they had the lion's share of the play up until then but, as usual, on many occasions the final ball let the side down.

The Sky Blues took the lead seconds before half-time. Philip Matthews brought down December's Player-of-the-Month Keith Percy in the area and referee Leslie Irvine had no hesitation in pointing to the spot with Philip Knell converting the spot kick.

Three minutes into the second half and it was all over. Again Knell was the scorer when he picked up a Glenn Hunter miscue to put the ball wide of Matthews.

Larne were stung into action and did have a couple of notable efforts on goal but to no avail. Marcus Hill was involved in them both. On 50 minutes he headed a Terry Taylor cross over from literally only yards out and ten minutes later he rattled the cross bar from 25 yards. Had these gone in the Sky Blues might have had a game on our hands - who knows? As it was Ballymena were comfortable winners without really having to move up a gear.