Linfield 1 Drogheda United 1(Drogheda win on penalties): Drogheda United have defended their Setanta Cup title but needed penalties to finally overcome Linfield at Windsor Park this evening.
Paul Doolin's side dominated against the Irish League champions and could, and in all reality should, have had the match sewn up by the interval.
Linfield, at the end of a lengthy campaign, appeared sluggish in the opening half and Drogheda created a plethora of chances. Eamon Zayed struck the post when clean through while Alan Mannus, who pulled of a string of crucial saves, was not to be denied.
Damien Lynch had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock after the break but could not beat Mannus from the penalty spot and Drogheda paid the price on 67 minutes when Paul McAreavey headed the home side in front.
Mannus was finally beaten 10 minutes later as Tony Grant's smart first-time finish levelled matters but, despite continuing to enjoy the better chances, Drogheda could not find the breakthrough until Stuart Byrne's spot-kick, the fifth of the shootout, finally secured the silverware.
