Linfield 1–0 Ballymena United
BetMcLean Cup Semi-Final | Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
Linfield booked their place in the 2026 BetMcLean Cup Final with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Ballymena United at Windsor Park, as an early header from Isaac Baird proved decisive in a subdued semi-final encounter.
The tie, originally scheduled 24 hours earlier, was pushed back due to the impact of Storm Chandra, but it was the Blues who settled quickest once play finally got underway.
Early Pressure Pays Off for Linfield
David Healy’s side started on the front foot and nearly struck inside the opening ten minutes. Matt Yates threaded a clever through ball down the right channel for Matthew Fitzpatrick, who attempted to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Brad Wade, but the effort drifted wide.
Ballymena responded with intent when Patrick McEleney drove forward from midfield and fired over the crossbar, but it was Linfield who found the breakthrough shortly after.
On 12 minutes, Dane McCullough swung in a dangerous inswinging corner, and Isaac Baird attacked the near post superbly to glance a header past Wade and into the net — a goal that would ultimately decide the contest.
Chances at Both Ends Before the Break
Baird almost doubled his tally moments later after combining neatly with Kyle McClean, bursting into the box before seeing his shot turned behind by Wade at the near post.
Ballymena’s best opportunity of the half came when Success Edogun showed good strength to dispossess Darragh Leahy and break beyond Ben Hall, but a heavy touch allowed Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns to race off his line and snuff out the danger.
Before the interval, Charlie Allen tested Wade again, the Ballymena stopper doing well to block with an outstretched foot.
Wade Keeps Ballymena in Contention
The visitors came out with renewed energy after the break, but Wade was quickly called into action again. He reacted sharply to push away a Yates effort following a cross from Ethan McGee, before producing an acrobatic save to tip another Yates strike behind after a quick McClean throw-in.
Despite Ballymena enjoying more of the ball late on, clear chances remained limited. Linfield defended resolutely, with McCullough producing a crucial block in stoppage time to deny Edogun and preserve the clean sheet.
Linfield March On to the Final
The final whistle confirmed Linfield’s progression to the BetMcLean Cup Final on 15 March, where they will face either Glentoran or Coleraine, whose semi-final was also postponed.
The Blues will now bid to lift the trophy for a record 13th time, further strengthening their status as the competition’s most successful club.
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