David Munster opened the scoring for the Sky Blues on 23 minutes, David Cushley's effort rebounded back off the car, allowing David Munster to rise majestically and head home amidst wild scenes of jubilation in the main stand.

The large Sky Blue crowd were in great voice, and the players responded, going in to the break with a well deserved 1-0 lead.

Linfield did improve in the second half, Michael Carvill blew a great chance on 63 minutes only for the tricky winger to blaze over with the goal gaping. The Blues did equalise on 73 minutes, after winning a second penalty in the space of three days against United. Goal hero David Munster hauled down the lively Carvill, allowing substitute Brian McCaul to step up and slot the ball past Stuart Addis.

As the match drifted towards extra time, both teams had ample opportunity to win the match outright. United's Alan Davidson's fiercely struck free kick forced a great save out of Ross Glendinning, after William Murphy's header cannoned back off the cross bar for Linfield.

Extra time produced no more goals so penalties ensued. United feared the worst after Jamie Davidson's effort was palmed away by Glendinning, but Stuart Addis proved the hero as he saved penalties from both David Armstrong and Daryl Fordyce to allow Alan Davidson to step up and do the honours.

So, a first trophy in 23 years for Ballymena United and their loyal supporters, who will get a chance to see the famous piece of silverware for themselves in the Des Allen Suite at the Showgrounds next Tuesday Evening, (4th December) from 8pm.

Report by Jordan Miller.