Linfield 1–0 Glentoran (AET) – BetMcLean Cup Final Match Report
15 March 2026 | Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
In front of a crowd of 12,297 at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Linfield secured a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over rivals Glentoran to lift the BetMcLean Cup for a record 37th time.
A tense Big Two derby looked destined for penalties until substitute Chris McKee stepped up in the closing minutes of extra time, converting from the spot to send the Blues faithful into celebration and seal another major trophy for David Healy’s side.
For Belfast football fans, it was a historic occasion — the first cup final between Linfield and Glentoran since 2006 and also the first domestic Irish League match to feature VAR technology.
A Cagey Big Two Cup Final
As expected in a Linfield vs Glentoran derby, the BetMcLean Cup final was tight, intense and often decided by the smallest margins.
Linfield enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening half, but it was Glentoran who created the clearer chances early on. Former Blues attacker Jordan Stewart looked the most dangerous player on the pitch during the opening 20 minutes.
Stewart first hooked a shot wide after meeting a Danny Amos corner, before firing a volley over the bar moments later. He came closest in the 16th minute, striking a low effort from outside the box that flashed just inches past the post.
The Glens continued to threaten from wide areas, with Danny Amos delivering dangerous crosses, while Josh Daniels forced Linfield defender Euan East into an important block at the back post.
Linfield’s best opportunity of the first half came just after the half-hour mark when Kirk Millar produced a moment of brilliance, striking a swerving volley from 25 yards that narrowly missed the target.
Glentoran captain Pat Hoban also had a chance before the break, but Linfield midfielder Isaac Baird produced a crucial defensive challenge to keep the scores level.
Half-Time: Linfield 0–0 Glentoran
Second Half Battle at Windsor Park
The second half continued in the same competitive fashion, with both sides defending strongly and knowing that one goal could decide the BetMcLean Cup final.
Linfield came closest ten minutes after the restart when Matthew Fitzpatrick broke through on goal, only for Glentoran goalkeeper Billy Crellin to produce a superb save to tip the shot over the crossbar.
At the other end, Danny Amos struck a powerful volley that forced Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns into a fine save around the post.
David Healy turned to his bench in search of inspiration, introducing Adam Frizzell, whose energy helped inject life into Linfield’s midfield.
With ten minutes remaining, further changes saw Jamie Mulgrew and Dane McCullough enter the game, both bringing experience and composure as the match edged towards a dramatic finale.
In the 84th minute, VAR was called upon for the first time in Irish League domestic football to review a possible Glentoran penalty for handball. After a brief review, referee Ben McMaster was advised to play on.
Despite late pressure from the Glens, the game remained level.
Full-Time: Linfield 0–0 Glentoran
McKee’s Moment of Glory in Extra Time
Extra time produced the decisive moment that the game had been waiting for.
Linfield began to gain the upper hand and substitute Chris McKee — who replaced Kirk Millar at the end of normal time — began to influence the game.
With three minutes remaining, McKee played a quick one-two with Matthew Fitzpatrick before bursting into the penalty area. As he chased the return pass, Glentoran defender MJ Kamson-Kamara brought him down, leaving referee Ben McMaster with little choice but to point to the spot.
Up stepped McKee himself.
With composure under immense pressure, he calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, stroking the penalty into the bottom corner and igniting wild celebrations among the Linfield supporters.
It was a dramatic winning moment — and perhaps the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the McKee family, as the striker etched his name into Linfield folklore.
Linfield comfortably saw out the final minutes to secure the trophy.
Full-Time (After Extra Time): Linfield 1–0 Glentoran
A Record Cup Triumph for Linfield
The victory marks another milestone for Linfield manager David Healy, who collected his 14th trophy as Blues boss.
The win also means Linfield have now lifted the BetMcLean Cup three times in the last four seasons, reinforcing their dominance in Northern Irish football.
As an added bonus, the Blues have now secured a place in the Irish Premiership European play-off final, should they not qualify automatically through league position.
For Glentoran, it was a brave performance that ultimately came down to a single moment in extra time — a reminder of how fine the margins are in Belfast’s biggest football rivalry.
Match Details
LINFIELD:
Chris Johns (GK), Ethan McGee (Sean Brown 113’), Ben Hall, Darragh Leahy, Euan East, Josh Archer (Jamie Mulgrew 81’), Kyle McClean (c), Isaac Baird (Adam Frizzell 64’), Kirk Millar (Chris McKee 90’), Sam Taylor (Dane McCullough 81’), Matthew Fitzpatrick
Unused subs: David Walsh (GK), Matt Yates
GLENTORAN:
Billy Crellin (GK), Ryan Cooney, MJ Kamson-Kamara, Marcus Kane (c) (Daniel Larmour 90’), Danny Amos, Cammy Palmer, James Singleton (James Douglas 113’), Aaron McEneff, Josh Daniels (Jordan Jenkins 88’), Jordan Stewart (Liam Burt 74’), Pat Hoban
Unused subs: Andrew Mills (GK), Dylan Connolly, Ben Gallagher
Yellow Cards:
Danny Amos, Cammy Palmer (Glentoran)
Kyle McClean, Matthew Fitzpatrick (Linfield)
Referee: Ben McMaster
VAR: Grant Irvine (Scotland)
Assistant VAR: Garry Hilland (Scotland)
Final Thoughts
Derbies between Linfield and Glentoran rarely disappoint, and while this BetMcLean Cup final may not have been the most free-flowing spectacle, it delivered exactly what fans expect from the Big Two rivalry — intensity, drama and a decisive moment right at the end.
For Linfield supporters, Chris McKee’s extra-time penalty will live long in the memory, securing another trophy for the Blues and ensuring this chapter of Belfast football history belongs to them.
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