BetMcLean Cup and NIFL Premiership results: Linfield win at Larne as cup ties deliver goals and penalties

October 20, 2026 The Belfast Desk 0 Comments

Football on grass under a blurred floodlight with “Mid-Week Results” text — Mid-week results from the BetMcLean Cup and NIFL Premiership.

Linfield claimed a valuable 2-1 victory away to Larne in Tuesday night’s only BOYLE Sports Premiership fixture, while the BetMcLean Cup first round produced a busy programme of goals, close contests and two penalty shootouts.

Larne took the lead at Inver Park, but Linfield fought back to secure all three points. The result strengthens the Blues’ title challenge and leaves Larne with another setback after their defeat by Coleraine last week.

There was plenty of drama in the BetMcLean Cup, with Limavady United edging a seven-goal contest against Annagh United. Limavady won 4-3, while Glenavon recorded the night’s biggest victory, beating Strabane Athletic 5-0.

Moyola Park also impressed with a 4-1 win over Dundela. Ballymena United and Harland & Wolff Welders each advanced with 3-1 victories, against Newington and Armagh City respectively. Loughgall beat Institute 3-0, and Cliftonville won 2-0 away to Portadown.

Dungannon Swifts came through a tighter contest at Bangor, winning 2-1. Carrick Rangers had a more comfortable evening, defeating Newry City 3-0.

The two level ties went to penalties. Queen’s University beat Ballinamallard United 3-2 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw, while Rathfriland Rangers overcame Ards 5-4 on penalties following a goalless match.

Tuesday’s BetMcLean Cup results:

Annagh United 3-4 Limavady United
Armagh City 1-3 Harland & Wolff Welders
Ballinamallard United 1-1 Queen’s University (Queen’s University won 3-2 on penalties)
Bangor 1-2 Dungannon Swifts
Carrick Rangers 3-0 Newry City
Dundela 1-4 Moyola Park
Institute 0-3 Loughgall
Newington 1-3 Ballymena United
Portadown 0-2 Cliftonville
Rathfriland Rangers 0-0 Ards (Rathfriland Rangers won 5-4 on penalties)
Strabane Athletic 0-5 Glenavon

(Warrenpoint Town host Crusaders in the remaining BetMcLean Cup first-round tie on Wednesday, 21 October.)