Linfield lift League Cup after win over Ballymena

Linfield celebrate their League Cup final win over Ballymena. Credit: Presseye

Linfield’s narrow 1-0 win over Ballymena at Windsor Park on Saturday night gave them their first League Cup title in 11 years.

The Blues edged their way to victory thanks to Andy Waterworth’s early goal 15 minutes in.

Niall Quinn supplied the ball to Waterworth, who ended up firing a low shot past Ballymena keeper Ross Glendinning - who was playing in his 100th game for the Sky Blues.

Ballymena were unlucky not to make more of their scoring chances, but there was also controversy – primarily around one of their challenges.

Captain Jim Ervin went in late on Blues skipper Jamie Mulgrew and was yellow-carded for it, but many in the Linfield camp felt it should have been a straight red.

Ballymena's Jim Ervin brings down Linfield's Jamie Mulgrew. Credit: Pacemaker

The call by referee Andy Davey resulted in trouble flaring among players from both sides.

Mulgrew was fit to continue after treatment and Linfield ultimately held out for the win.

Linfield and Ballymena will meet again in an Irish Premiership clash on Saturday.

Linfield players with their League Cup winners' medals and the trophy. Credit: Presseye