In the end all twelve Premiership clubs progressed to the next round of the BetMcLean League Cup but it wasn't without a worrying moment or two for some.
Indeed, two top flight clubs were taken to extra-time before just doing enough to make the last 16.
Carrick Rangers, going into the game on the back of a big win at the weekend, were held to a scoreless draw by Dergview at the Loughshore Hotel Arena and actually went behind on 96 minutes through a Shea Devlin goal before a goal either side of the brief extra-time interval from Jordan Gibson and Mark Surgenor were enough to see Stuart King's side through.
And it was a similar tale at the Newry Showgrounds in the derby between Championship leaders Newry City and local rivals Warrenpoint Town.
Brian Healy had fired Newry in front during the opening exchanges, with Alan O'Sullivan levelling for 'Point just after the half-hour mark ... which was how it stayed until a 101st minute Greg Moorhouse goal won the day for Barry Gray's side.
Ballymena United got past Annagh United at the BMG Arena but they didn't have it all their own way either.
The visitors edged into the lead courtesy of a Conor Keeley goal just before the break but Annagh hit back in the second half through Jordan Campbell and Stephen Murray to lead just after the hour. However, Paul McElroy's spot-kick on 70 minutes tipped the balance back in Ballymena's favour before Jude Winchester made sure right at the end.
A number of players came away with the match ball as souvenir for their efforts.
Cathair Friel hit a hat-trick as holders Coleraine travelled to defeat Bangor 5-0 while the same scoreline saw Crusaders get past Moyola Park at Seaview with Adam Lecky the hat-trick hero on this occasion. Kyle Beggs also hit three for Glenavon in their 5-1 home win over Portstewart.
It was a comfortable evening, too, for Linfield, Larne and Glentoran as they swept past Ballyclare Comrades, Limavady United and Banbridge Town respectively while Portadown, Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts had too much on the night for Newington, HW Welders and Armagh City.
Loughgall were the top scorers on the night. The Villagers hit six past Lisburn Distillery at Lakeview Park, while both Institute and Ballinamallard United knocked four past PSNI and Dundela.
The Second Round concludes on Wednesday evening when Ards host Dollingstown, kick-off 8pm.
