Linfield haunt Shels once again

Linfield 2 Shelbourne 0

In a repeat of last year's final, holders Linfield again beat Shelbourne to blow Setanta Sports Cup Group 2 wide open tonight.

A more determined Blues had the better of the first half, taking the game to Shels and deservedly going in 1-0 up at the break.

The goal came on 34 minutes. Ollie Cahill did well to block away a Tim Mouncey shot following Oran Kearney's cross, but the ball broke for Michael Gault who shot home from just inside the area.

Shels were better from the resumption but fell further behind to a controversial second goal on 52 minutes.

Keeper Dean Delaney was elbowed in the head by Mouncey as he came to collect a cross, but no free was given and Peter Thompson shot home the loose ball. A concussed Delaney was taken off on a stretcher.