Lurgan Celtic set up an all Championship 2 affair in Saturday’s Irish Cup sixth round as they made short work of Larne in Monday night’s replay.
Celtic earned the right to face leaders Knockbreda at the weekend after showing no mercy to the home side after they were reduced to 10 men.
The replay exploded into life after James Braniff saw red for lifting his hands to Celtic’s Damien McParland on 30 minutes.
Celtic took immediate advantage as Raymond Fitzpatrick - who netted in the first tie which finished 1-1 - headed home from the resulting free-kick.
Barely 60 seconds later and the lead was doubled with as Chris Keenan fouled Aaron Haire and referee Ken Gibbons pointed to the spot.
Niall Lavery stepped up to confidently convert past Keenan.
On the verge of half-time the game was as good as over when McParland slotted home from close range after Keenan batted away Lavery’s initial shot.
With 69 minutes on the clock the Lurgan men added more salt to the wounds when they earned their second penalty - and fourth goal - of the night.
Lavery once more netted from 12 yards, after Fitzpatrick had been brought down inside the box by Niall McAllister.
Two minutes later Larne salvaged some pride when Gary Workman found a way past Ciaran Fox with a fine 20 yard strike.
Larne: Keenan, Braniff, J. Moore, W. Wharry, McAllister, Irvine (J Wharry), McClean (Conlon), Kane, Young (R. Moore), Workman, McNamee.
Unused subs: Donnelly, Koypt
LURGAN CELTIC: Fox, McVeigh, Boyd, Drainey, Donegan, McAnallan, Lavery, McParland, O’Hara, Fitzpatrick, Haire (McKavanagh).
Unused subs: McAvoy, Conway, McCabe.
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