Belfast giants Linfield claimed the Setanta Cup with a 2-0 victory over Dublin side Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
In an evenly-balanced and keenly contested final, first half strikes from Linfield attacking duo Glenn Ferguson and Peter Thompson were the difference.
Shelbourne were first to threaten with Jason Byrne and Richie Baker both testing Alan Mannus early on while Byrne then missed a gilt-edged chance to give the Dublin side the lead in the 23rd minute when he skipped past Mannus only for Noel Bailie to make a vital block tackle.
However, in the 26th minute, Linfield took the lead when Ferguson coolly volleyed home an Aiden O’Kane left wing cross before Thompson doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when he beat Steve Williams with a clinical strike after Ferguson flicked the ball into his path.
Shelbourne never gave up but rarely troubled the Linfield goal with two off target Byrne efforts the closest they came to a consolation goal.
The frustration became too much for the Tolka Park men as, in injury time, both Byrne and Alan Moore were sent off for dissent.
