Newry City win on penalties in Darren Mullen's return to management

Darren Mullen's return to the dugout with Newry City was an eventful one, as his side overcame Rathfriland Rangers in a penalty shoot out.

We spoke to him after the game and you can watch the interview in full for free at the link above.

Dualta Honney was the match winner on a night where City had to show serious character, as they were without a number of first team players.

Ciaran O'Connor, Donal Scullion, Noel Healy, Stephen Moan, Ryan McGivern, Seanna Foster and Gavin Smith were all out and Mullen relied on young players Honney, Evan McEnteggart and Adam Dorans off the bench.

Before kick-off, Newry fans were given another huge shot in the arm with the news that Darren King (who had taken a sabbatical at the start of the season) was back in with the team, in from the start and back wearing the captain's armband.

The first half was evenly fought, with Newry's best chance coming when Ryan McNickle forced a low save from Ronan Burns. At the other end, Matthew Holloway looked certain to score in a one on one but he was denied by an excellent Conor Mitchell save.

Just before the hour mark Newry took the lead when McNickle got on the end of a long ball and knocked it down for Adam Carroll to smash into the net from close range.

In the next half hour, Newry lost two more starting players to injury with King and Jamie O'Flaherty coming off.

They were hanging on for dear life near the end of 90 minutes, but Rathfriland equalised in stoppage time when Steven Ball accidentally turned Ruairi Fitzpatrick's cross into his own net.

Into extra-time the game went, and although it was much more cagey, Newry had a foothold in the game.

When neither side could find the net it was up to penalties to decide who would book their place in the last four of the Mid Ulster Cup.

McNickle, Alex O'Brien, Adam Salley and Honney all found the net for City, whilst Conor Mitchell saved an Andrew Kilmartin spot kick and Callum Dougan hit the post for Rathfriland.