HOLYWOOD are into the quarter-finals of the Intermediate Cup for the first time in the club’s history after Calum James’ first-half goal was enough to see off Newtowne at Spafield.
It sets up a meeting in the last eight with Northern Amateur Premier Division side East Belfast at Inverary Park in a fortnight’s time.
In a scrappy opening period, it was the men in green who took the lead against their fourth-tier opponents when a Josh Burns effort from close range was blocked by the hand of the Newtowne defender. Calum James stepped up and finished at the second attempt after a fine save by Darragh McLaughlin in the visitors’ goal.
JJ McKinley was then unlucky not to extend the home team’s cushion when he struck the side-netting from a brilliant Josh Craig free-kick.
The second half was devoid of quality for long periods as Holywood defended resolutely with the Limavady outfit pushing for an equaliser.
James went close again after his back post effort crept wide and McLaughlin was on hand to make a great reflex save from a Josh Craig volley from 12 yards.
Holywood’s nerves were tested late on but a snapshot from the Newtowne striker was gratefully met by Ryan James and the hosts held out to book their spot in the next stage of the prestigious competition.
