Thompson wraps up Linfield treble

Two goals from Peter Thompson in the Irish Cup final completed a superb treble triumph for Linfield FC and ensured a third consecutive double for the club after they claimed the Premier League title last weekend having already secured the League Cup.

Quick double
Thompson's double-strike inside three second-half minutes turned the 128th Irish Cup final completely around and made sure that the Belfast Blues completed the 'treble double' for the first time in 115 years with a 2-1 win against Coleraine FC. Their underdog opponents had dominated the first half of this final at Linfield's Windsor Park home and could have been ahead by more than the sole goal scored by defender Paddy McLaughlin in the 19th minute.

Chances squandered
That came when Marty Hunter had a header cleared off the line by Aidan O'Kane only for McLaughlin to strike the loose ball into the net from the edge of the area. The Bannsiders' striker David Patton also had two great chances, one before the opening goal when Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus made a superb reaction save then, when 1-0 up, shooting over after the goalkeeper fumbled a long ball.

Tactical alterations
Coleraine had other opportunities to double their lead, but Thompson's efforts made them pay dearly. Blues boss David Jeffrey made a tactical change at half-time, sending on attacker Mark Dickson for Paul McAreavey with Jamie Mulgrew moving into central midfield in place of the latter, and he helped overturn Coleraine's previous control of that key area. However, it was the combination of Linfield's two forwards that ultimately made the difference.

Ferguson influence
First Thompson levelled in the 49th minute, profiting from good work by strike partner Glenn Ferguson to score with a low left-foot shot. The duo then linked up again three minutes later as Thompson put the Blues ahead with his right-foot. The 24-year-old nearly scored the first Irish Cup final hat-trick for 39 years only for Coleraine keeper Davy O'Hare to deny him a further honour in another unforgettable season for the champions.