Gerry Flynn's side face Dundela in the sixth round

Newry scored all their penalties but Stuart King and Gary Haveron saw their efforts saved by Robert Robinson.

United had a good claim for handball in the area in the first half while Sean Friars was twice denied by Paul Murphy.

Newry had a second-half penalty claim, Murphy saved from Chris Morgan and Garth Scates shot just over the bar.

In the opening period, Craig McClean's shot appeared to be handled in the penalty box but referee Davy Malcolm waved play on while Murphy made two fine saves from Friars shots.

At the other end, Robert Robinson parried Gavin Melaugh's effort and the visitors were able to clear the ball.

Joe McDonnell appealed for a push in the area after the break but the referee again waved away penalty appeals.

Murphy denied Morgan and Scates was off-target after Stuart King's shot was blocked by Robinson.

Emmett Friars scored the first penalty of the shootout, King missed for Ballymena, Richard Clarke netted for Newry and then Albert Watson for United.

Lee Feeney was the next man to slot home for Newry but Kevin Kelbie replied for Ballymena and then McDonnell made no mistake with City's fourth spot-kick.

Robinson saved Haveron's effort, leaving Dundela to face Newry in the sixth round of the cup on Saturday 9 February.