Lisbellaw scored nine times against third division Lisnarick, with Scott Johnston netting four goals as his side secured their place in the next round of the Mulhern Cup in emphatic style.

The lower league club had given Lisbellaw an early scare, equalising twice in the first 20 minutes, but Johnston then rattled in a 16-minute hat-trick before half time as his side pulled clear.

“It was relatively comfortable, although the start of the game was a bit crazy,” acknowledged Lisbellaw manager Kyle McCleery.

“I thought we kept a reasonable tempo to the game and we were passing it about reasonably, even though the pitch was bit bobbly in places.

“We showed the right attitude on the day. I know they have been going poorly in the league over the last couple of weeks but in a cup game who knows, and we didn’t underestimate them.

“We showed them the respect they deserved, and I felt the right attitude was there from the word go. I was disappointed to concede two, but these things happen, and I’m pleased we got a good performance, scored a lot of goals, and picked up no injuries and no bookings.

“We have got the job done and we are into the next round.”

Lisbellaw went into the game as huge favourites against a Lisnarick side that are languishing in the lower reaches of Division Three, and it seemed as though the game would go as expected when the Division One side took the lead with just three minutes on the clock when Sam Lindsay cut in from the left and curled a shot into the top corner.

Lisnarick however, were quick to respond. A back pass bobbled awkwardly in front of Lisbellaw keeper Josh Brownlee and Peter Law took advantage to pick up possession and level the match.

Jamie Coalter had a shot saved but scored from the rebound to put Lisbellaw back in front, but again Lisnarick fought back with Andrew Browne finishing at the back post to tie the match for the second time.

In a hectic first half Philip Beacom gave Lisbellaw the lead again five minutes later when he headed in Sam Lindsay’s corner, and Johnston then netted his first of the afternoon when he converted Richard Woods’ cutback.

Jack Foster had a shot cleared off the line but Johnston fired in the rebound for number five, and Ryan Lindsay scored a sixth before Johnston completed his hat-trick in added time at the end of the first half when he slotted into the bottom corner of the net.

A deflected effort from Lindsay in the second half made it eight, and Johnston completed the scoring when he collected a pass from Nathan Graham and rounded the keeper before finishing to the net.