McKee scores extra-time penalty as Blues win BetMcLean Cup
Substitute Chris McKee maintained his composure to convert a 117th-minute penalty, securing a 1-0 victory for Linfield over Glentoran and clinching the BetMcLean Cup for a record 13th time.
This final marked the first cup decider between the 'Big Two' in 16 years. McKee was fouled in the box by MJ Kamson-Kamara, resulting in the penalty. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was used for the first time in Northern Ireland domestic football during this match, with Scottish officials confirming referee Ben McMaster's decision to award the spot kick.
As winners, Linfield have also qualified for the Irish Premiership's European play-off final scheduled for May, a first in the club's history.
Linfield leave it late to snatch the trophy
The match began energetically, with both teams competing before a large crowd at Windsor Park under sunny conditions.
Glentoran created the majority of early chances, with Jordan Stewart missing three significant opportunities in quick succession. His first chance came in the 10th minute when Danny Amos delivered a low corner from the right; Stewart, a former Linfield midfielder, met the ball but sent his effort over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, a clearance by Ben Hall deflected off Stewart, leaving him with an inviting chance, but he mishit the ball and shot over from inside the box.
Stewart’s closest attempt to score was in the 15th minute when Josh Daniels’ cross found him on the opposite side; his low first-time shot narrowly missed the far post.
Following this, Daniels had a shot blocked, and Kirk Millar responded for Linfield with a half-volley that went wide.
After a quieter period, Stewart had another notable chance before halftime. Patrick Hoban’s shot deflected into Stewart’s path, but Isaac Baird intervened to turn the ball behind just as Stewart prepared to shoot.
Linfield’s first meaningful opportunity of the second half came in the 54th minute when Kyle McClean flicked the ball into Matthew Fitzpatrick’s path. Fitzpatrick’s driven shot was tipped over by Glentoran goalkeeper Billy Crellin.
Shortly after, Danny Amos attempted a half-volley for Glentoran, which was saved by Linfield’s Chris Johns.
On the 84th minute, VAR was briefly consulted for a potential handball in the Linfield box, but the decision was quickly cleared, and play resumed.
The remainder of regular time saw few chances, leading to extra time. The additional period was similarly cautious until the 116th minute when the decisive moment occurred. The ball was played into McKee, who was brought down by Kamson-Kamara inside the box. McKee calmly converted the penalty, sending Crellin the wrong way and securing Linfield’s third BetMcLean Cup victory in four years.
Analysis - Glens fall short again in decider
For Glentoran, the defeat was reminiscent of last year’s final, where they also lost in extra time after Joe Gormley scored for Cliftonville. This year, McKee’s late penalty denied them a first BetMcLean Cup win since 2010.
The Glens dominated possession and created better chances but lacked the finishing precision required to convert opportunities into goals. Stewart, in particular, will regret missing several clear chances in the first half, while Hoban had a subdued performance throughout the match.
Kamson-Kamara was strong defensively, effectively managing Fitzpatrick and dealing with multiple crosses. However, his late challenge that conceded the penalty proved costly.
Having been eliminated from the Irish Cup and now defeated in the BetMcLean Cup final, Glentoran must regroup and focus on the league title race as they aim to conclude the season with silverware.
