Co Antrim Shield: Crues edge Blues as Larne, Glens and Ballymena progress

Jarlath O’Rourke’s double helped Crusaders to a 3-2 victory over Linfield in the Co Antrim Shield quarter-finals.

Harry Franklin headed in the opener for the Seaview hosts while Chris Shields and Liam Burns netted for Linfield.

Paul O’Neill hit all four second-half goals for Larne as the holders continued their bid for a fifth straight Shield success with a 4-0 win over Newington at Inver Park.

Jay Donnelly and Jordan Jenkins were on target in Glentoran’s 2-0 home victory against Carrick Rangers.

Aaron Jarvis scored the only goal as Premiership pacesetters Ballymena United beat Cliftonville 1-0 at Solitude.

Crusaders got off to the perfect start when Franklin headed home from Ross Clarke’s cross after just two minutes.

O’Rourke doubled the lead after 38 minutes by firing into the Blues net from the edge of the box.

Linfield pulled one back 14 minutes from time when Shields made no mistake from a penalty after Jimmy Callacher’s foul on Matthew Fitzpatrick.