BetMcLean Cup: Linfield retain trophy with 3-1 victory over Ports at Windsor Park

Linfield have won the BetMcLean Cup for a record-extending 12th time thanks to a 3-1 victory over Portadown in Sunday's decider at Windsor Park.

Championship side Portadown impressed until Ben Hall headed the holders in front on 40 minutes and a Luke Wilson own goal made it 2-0.

Rhys Annett slotted in Linfield's third after 56 minutes.

Eamon Fyfe headed home with 15 minutes left to give the Ports hope but Linfield saw the game out to win.

• Blues overcome Ports in Windsor decider - as it happened

Portadown were the first Championship team to make the final since 2016 and prior to the opening goal, they matched a Linfield side playing on their home pitch.

Hall's excellent challenge denied Fyfe and after Matthew Fitzpatrick head over for the Blues it required another fine block, this time from Daniel Finlayson, to keep out a Ryan Mayse effort.

Rhys Annett (right) celebrates scoring Linfield's third goal against Portadown

Linfield had the ball in the net when Fitzpatrick tapped in after Aaron Hogg spilled a free-kick but the Linfield striker was offside.

Fitzpatrick was in the thick of the action and he saw his overhead kick - from a knock-down - crash against the Ports bar.

Finlayson arrowed over before Hall broke the deadlock, nodding in from six yards at the near post after the ball bobbled up from a Kirk MIllar corner.

Fitzpatrick flashed wide before the unfortunate Wilson headed into his own net from a Joel Cooper corner on the stroke of half-time.

Portadown were rocked by the two quick goals with Linfield firmly in control and man of the match Kyle McClean hit the side-netting before the third goal arrived.

McClean made a surging run to collect the ball and his pinpoint cut-back found Annett, who calmly slipped the ball into the net from 10 yards.

Eamon Fyfe celebrates pulling one back for Portadown in the 3-1 defeat by Linfield

Portadown found a way back into the game when Mayse did well to cross back from the byline and Fyfe ran in to power home at the near post.

The rejuvenated Ports pushed for another goal and another Mayse cross was cleared before Lee Chapman's snap-shot was tipped over by Blues keeper Chris John.

But it was too little too late for the Ports as Linfield held out to secure another trophy.