No stranger to Irish Cup success after winning the competition twice as Glenavon manager, Gary Hamilton sealed progression with Ballymacash Rangers following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Comber Rec before revealing one of his star players is set for a Championship move.

With the fixture originally due to be staged at Park Way, the home of Amateur League outfit Comber, it was switched to the Bluebell Stadium after an early morning pitch inspection.

Harry O’Neill’s brace combined with a Robert Robinson strike sealed sixth round progress for Ballymacash, who will now travel to H&W Welders, where Hamilton has confirmed Ross Hunter will be moving this month.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Glentoran before working under Hamilton during his time with Glenavon.

placeholder image — Ballymacash Rangers manager Gary Hamilton. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

He reunited with his former manager at third-tier Ballymacash last summer after departing Ards and scored in their Steel & Sons Cup final triumph over Holywood on Christmas Day.

Hunter netted nine times across all competitions for Ballymacash and Hamilton admits he’s “devastated” to be losing him.

"Jack (Clarke, recent signing from Armagh City) is brilliant,” Hamilton told the club’s media channel. “He’s a great leader, talker, experienced, and I thought for his first game and having only done two training sessions, he was excellent.

"A lot of them were. I thought Stuarty Clarke was excellent at full-back, Bobby came into today, (Dylan) Sinnerton’s first game in a while, and the front two caused problems up front.

"They both deserved a goal and could have taken a few more chances, but in terms of their work rate and effort, it was superb. Harry O’Neill, another couple of goals and great finishes, I’m really pleased.

"The only sad news from today and for the supporters is Ross Hunter has decided to move on to the Welders – we wish him all the best.

"He has an opportunity to go to a club pushing for Premiership promotion. We told him when he came to the club we would get him back playing again and loving it.

"We have him back to his form and that’s something which happens at this level of football unfortunately with amateur and professional contracts – you end up having no say or control.

"He thought long and hard about it because he has loved every minute. We’re devastated but he has been brilliant for us.

"He helped us win a Steel & Sons Cup so he has done his bit for our club and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Ballymacash’s 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions was ended by Portstewart last weekend – David McDaid scored a hat-trick for the Seahawks on club debut – but Hamilton was delighted to get back to winning ways.

"It was brilliant to get another three goals and a clean sheet,” he added. “The boys were excellent...after our performance last weekend against Portstewart, we were back to ourselves.

"Defensively we were solid, we scored three goals and could have scored more. I’m delighted to be through to the next round.

"There was a great crowd here today as well – with all the other games called off, a good crowd turned up here so I’m delighted all round and it was a great performance.”