Chris McKee scored an extra-time penalty to help Linfield edge past Glentoran 1-0 and win the BetMcLean Cup for a record-extending 13th time.
In what was the first cup decider between the ‘Big Two in 16 years, substitute McKee kept his cool from the spot after he was brought down by MJ Kamson-Kamara in the box.
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History was made in the final with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology used for the first time in Northern Ireland domestic football and the Scottish officials in charge of the technology concurred with Ben McMaster’s decision to award the spot kick.
For the first time, Linfield, as winners, have also secured qualification for the Irish Premiership’s European play-off final in May.
Linfield leave it late to snatch the trophy
It was a lively start from both sides in front of a large crowd in the sun at Windsor Park.
Glentoran created the better chances in the first half, with Jordan Stewart squandering three good opportunities in quick succession.
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His first arrived on 10 minutes when Danny Amos played in a low corner from the right which former Linfield midfielder Stewart met, but he hooked an effort over the crossbar.
Two minutes later Ben Hall’s clearance ricocheted off Stewart and fell invitingly for the 30-year-old, but he snatched at the chance and blazed over from inside the box.
He came closest to breaking the deadlock on 15 minutes when Josh Daniels’ cross fell for Stewart on the opposite side and his low first-time effort fizzed just wide of the far post.
Daniels then had a shot blocked before Kirk Millar flashed a half-volley wide at the other end for the Blues.
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After a lull in the game, Stewart had another big chance before the break.
Patrick Hoban’s shot was deflected into path of Stewart, but just as he went to shoot, Isaac Baird nipped in to turn the ball behind.
Linfield had the first meaningful chance of the second half on 54 minutes as Kyle McClean produced a clever flick into the path of Matthew Fitzpatrick, whose drilled effort was tipped over by Billy Crellin.
Soon after, at the other end, Amos’ half-volley was pushed behind by Chris Johns.
There was then a VAR intervention on 84 minutes for a brief check for a handball in the Linfield box that was quickly cleared.
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The game fizzled out and extra time was required, which was equally as cagey as the end to normal time.
That was until four minutes from the end when late drama ensued as the ball was zipped into McKee, with Kamson-Kamara diving in to bring down the Blues substitute.
He kept his composure to send Crellin the wrong way and snatch a late win for Linfield as they secure a third success in this competition in four years.
More to follow.
Analysis – Glens fall short again in decider
For Glentoran, it was a case of deja vu as they suffered a second successive 1-0 extra-time defeat in the final of this competition after squandering numerous chances.
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After losing out to Cliftonville last year after substitute Joe Gormley scored an extra-time winner, this year, it was McKee who popped up and scored to deny them a first win in this competition since 2010.
It was a frustrating end to the game for the Glens, who had the better chances but lacked the clinical edge needed to put one away.
Stewart will rue the fact he did not do better with one of his ample opportunities in the first half while Hoban was quiet throughout the game.
Kamson-Kamara has been imperious up to giving away the penalty in marshalling Fitzpatrick well and dealing with multiple crosses into the box, but it was a tired challenge that was duly punished by McKee.
Out of the Irish Cup and now having lost the BetMcLean Cup final, Glentoran must now pick themselves up for the title run in as they try end the season with some silverware.
More to follow.
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