Cliftonville win after penalty drama

Surprise finalists
The two teams were surprise finalists, especially Larne, whose semi-final against holders Glentoran FC was scrapped when it was discovered that the latter club had selected defender Gary Smyth while he was technically unregistered with the Irish Football Association (IFA).

Delaney opener
Ironically, their final opponents Cliftonville had finished runners-up behind Glentoran in the group stages of the competition, thereby qualifying for the quarter-finals. In the decider itself, Larne won the choice of colours to play in red and got off to the better start, Derek Delaney firing them in front after ten minutes when Cliftonville failed to clear a corner.

Goal disallowed
Delaney then had a goal disallowed for a foul on Cliftonville goalkeeper Paul Straney but the north Belfast team had their chances too, man of the match Conor Hagan striking the woodwork, before Barry Patton and George McMullan also went close.

Mulvenna equaliser
Eventually Keith Mulvenna equalised in the 79th minute via a header that deflected in off a defender and the game went into extra time. Both sides had opportunities to score a winner but the score stayed 1-1 so the match progressed to the drama of penalties.

Decisive spot-kick
The first spot-kick proved to be the decisive one, as Straney saved Larne left-back Manny Maxwell's effort. The remaining nine penalties were all converted successfully, with Hagan's strike earning victory for Marty Tabb's men and taking the trophy back to Solitude for the first time.

Portadown lead the way
In the league, champions Glentoran trail leaders Portadown FC by eleven points after only eight games. The Glens' form has been stuttering, and they lie in sixth place having been deducted five points after it was discovered they had used Smyth while he was not fully registered. Linfield FC are second, three points adrift.