Lisbellaw booked their place in the last 16 of the Junior Cup with a battling 5-1 win away to Dungiven.

While the score line may suggest this was comfortable afternoon for the Lisbellaw side, their manager, Kyle McCleery felt his side were made to work for the win by their opponents.

“They gave everything and made us work hard for the win, so credit to them but I felt we were always in control,” he said.

“It was a physical game but we handled the situation well and our quality shone through in the end.

“I’m delighted to still be in the hat at this stage and looking forward to seeing who we get in the next round.”

The first half was a very scrappy affair with Dungiven trying to impose themselves on the visitors conceding fouls and not allowing any rhythm in the game.

Lisbellaw did find the breakthrough when Craig Johnston raced down the left and his cross evaded everyone and nestled in the far top corner over the keeper.

It was 2-0 about 10 minutes later, as an Aaron Lindsay interception in midfield fell lovely for Scott Johnston and his first time effort into the bottom corner gave the Dungiven goalkeeper no chance.

However, Dungiven responded immediately.

A long throw was not dealt with by Lisbellaw and a Dungiven player bent one into the far corner past Sam McDonald.

After this Craig Johnston drew a good save from the keeper with a free kick from 20 yards and Richard Woods forced the keeper in to a save with a low left foot shot as Lisbellaw looked to restore their two goal cushion.

Took control

In the second half Lisbellaw gradually took control of the game and went 3-1 up when Craig Johnston’s corner to the back post was headed back across goal by Jamie Coalter and headed in from close range by Philip Beacom just past the hour mark.

It was 4-1 when Paul McGrath burst into the box and beat the last defender before coolly rolling the ball past the keeper.

The fifth could have come from the penalty spot after Craig Johnston was fouled but Lindsay dragged his effort wide.

Scott Johnston should also have scored when set up by McGrath but blazed over from close range.

That final goal eventually came in injury time as Scott Moutray thumped the ball past the keeper with a left foot drive.