Linfield win Irish cup to seal the treble

By Alex Keery, sports reporter

Linfield deservedly won the Irish Cup after a dominant display saw them beat Coleraine 3-0 at Windsor Park.

Andy Waterworth scored a hat-trick to take his season’s tally to 30.

Linfield bossed the opening minutes and created an early chance as Jamie Mulgrew chipped a pass to Mark Stafford at the far post, and his headed effort forced a flying save from Chris Johns.

Coleraine found early chances hard to come by, and Eoin Bradley wasted an opportunity, lashing a long range volley wide when he had better options in the box.

Linfield’s pressure soon paid off, and just before the half hour mark Paul Smyth worked space down the right and drilled a low cross to the near post which was turned home by Waterworth.

With Coleraine rattled, Linfield struck again inside the space of 4 minutes.

This time the threat came from the opposite flank, as Aaron Burns easily beat his man and drove into the box. His outside of the boot effort was saved by Johns, but it fell straight to Waterworth who was unmarked 6 yards out and couldn’t miss.

Coleraine started the second half with enthusiasm, and Jamie McGonigle flashed over a close range on the hour. 7 minutes later he was about the pull the trigger after finding space in the Linfield box, but a superb tackle from Stafford cleared the danger.

But Coleraine continued to struggle to create chances, and although they did improve after the break, they never looked convincing and Linfield remained in control.

With 3 minutes of normal time remaining, Waterworth completed his hat-trick after more fine work by Paul Smyth. The young winger chased Stafford’s long ball over the top before racing clear and teeing up the striker who tapped home to round off a convincing win.

The result secured a treble for Linfield, who have already won the Irish Premiership and the County Antrim Shield.

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