Summary

  • Linfield 3-1 Portadown (Result)

Live Reporting

Stephen Alexander

  1. Blues extend BetMcLean Cup record haul

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    So in the end, we got the outcome we expected as Linfield extended their record haul of BetMcLean Cup triumphs to 12 - five ahead of their Big Two rivals Glentoran.

    Credit to Championship side Portadown for giving the Blues plenty to think about as they probably had the better of the opening 39 minutes only for the roof to fall in on them before half-time as the unmarked Ben Hall nodded Linfield ahead and the unfortunate Luke Wilson headed into his own net.

    The Ports appeared shell-shocked as they came out for the second half and a potential rout appeared on when Rhys Annett tapped in Linfield's third goal on 56 minutes.

    To their credit, Portadown kept battling and Eamon Fyfe's endeavour was rewarded as he pulled a goal back on 75 and indeed Linfield had a few further scares.

    However, the Blues, as they generally do, got the job done as they clinched the first leg of a potential treble with David Healy's side hoping to chase down champions Larne in the Irish Premiership and also facing an Irish Cup semi-final against Glentoran.

    Thanks for joining us today. If you want to read more on where the final was won and lost, have a read of my colleague Alvin McCaig's match report.

    We'll be back on football text commentary duty for next Saturday's full programme of Irish Premiership action as an exciting campaign continues.

    In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

    Rhys Annett salutes the Linfield faithful after scoring the Blues' last goal in the 3-1 BetMcLean Cup final win over battling PortadownInpho

    Rhys Annett salutes the Linfield faithful after scoring the Blues' last goal in the 3-1 BetMcLean Cup final win over battling Portadown

  2. 'Healy doesn't get credit he deserves'

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Lee Doherty
    Sportsound pundit

    David Healy doesn't get the credit he deserves for the job he has done at Linfield. I don't know the reason for that but if you look back, it was the same during Roy Coyle and David Jeffrey's times in charge.

  3. 'Linfield know how to win'

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Lee Doherty
    Sportsound pundit

    Once that third goal was tapped in by Rhy Annett, it was game over. You have to give Portadown huge credit for fighting back to score but Linfield just know how to win games of football.

  4. 'A step too far for Portadown

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Darren Murphy
    Sportsound summariser

    Just a step too far for Portadown. Once Linfield got the first goal, Portadown had to keep it to 1-0 by half-time but that second goal came immediately.

  5. FULL-TIME

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    It's all over and Linfield are League Cup winners for a record 12th time.

    Portadown played their part in an entertaining final but it's Linfield who complete the first leg of a potential treble as they also chase league title and Irish Cup glory in what promises to be a fascinating run-in.

    Full time score Linfield v PortadownBBC Sport

    Full time score Linfield v Portadown

  6. Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Darren Murphy's assertion proves accurate as Kyle McClean is named man of the match.

  7. SUBSTITUTION

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Linfield boss David Healy introduces Darragh McBrien and Aodhan Doherty for Kirk Millar and Matthew Fitzpatrick for the closing minutes.

  8. 'Millar or McClean man of the match'

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Darren Murphy
    Sportsound summariser

    Kirk Millar or Kyle McClean have to be the contenders for the man of the match.

  9. Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    The fourth official has indicated a minimum of four minutes of additional time.

  10. 'Traynor needed to attack that ball'

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Darren Murphy
    Sportsound summariser

    Aaron Traynor just needed to attack that ball from the corner. That was another real opportunity for Portadown.

  11. SUBSTITUTION

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Portadown bring on Caolin Coyle for Eamon Fyfe but time is running out for the Championship side.

  12. Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Lee Chapman's snap-shot for Portadown is tipped over by Chris Johns.

    Ryan Mayse's resultant corner goes through a ruck of bodies and straight out for a goal kick, much to Portadown's frustration.

  13. YELLOW CARD

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Portadown's Kenny Kane is booked for a foul on Matthew Fitzpatrick.

    Linfield will be happy to eat up the time.

  14. SUBSTITUTION

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Another change for Portadown as Dale Montgomery replaces Eoghan McCawl.

    the substitute's first involvement is to hurl in a long throw which Linfield keeper Chris Johns punches clear.

  15. SUBSTITUTION

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Linfield make a defensive-minded change as Joel Cooper is replaced by central defender Michael Newberry.

    Chris McKee had replaced Rhys Annett immediately after the Portadown goal.

  16. 'Mayse's 85-yard run set up that goal'

    Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Darren Murphy
    Sportsound summariser

    Ryan Mayse won possession in his own penalty area and then went on a 85-yard run before setting up that goal for Eamon Fyfe. Tremendous by Mayse.

  17. Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Portadown are almost in again down the left after Linfield sloppily cough up possession but this time Mayse's cross is cleared at the near post.

  18. goal

    GOAL - Linfield 3-1 Portadown

    Eamon Fyfe (75 mins)

    Hold on a minute!

    The Ports are on the scoresheet as Ryan Mayse gets to the bye-line on the left hand side and his inviting cross is met with a firm header by Eamon Fyfe.

    Can Portadown produce a grandstand finish in the closing 15 minutes?

    Portadown goalBBC Sport

    Portadown goal

  19. Linfield 3-0 Portadown

    Today's attendance has been announced as 9,179.

    That's down on the 11,000 figure of the past couple of League Cup finals but still a healthy turnout nonetheless.

  20. Linfield 3-0 Portadown

    Rhys Annett's cross is tipped over the crossbar by Aaron Hogg as Linfield chase a fourth goal.