The Loughgall skipper rose highest to meet a Glenn Waddell free-kick into the area to nod the ball past Newington 'keeper Paul Snodden to set up a decider with either Ards or Dundela.

The Villagers had led from the 21st minute when Dean Smith was quickest to react to a Andy Brown from a Neil Alderdice set piece to fire into the bottom corner of the net.

But Newington levelled two minutes before the interval after Neil Quinn dispatched an unstoppable shot past Marc Robinson from just inside the area.

Ards and Dundela meet in the second semi-final tonight (Wednesday) at Dixon Park, kick-off 7:45pm.