Derry City outplayed by Linfield in Setanta clash

Linfield 3 Derry City 1

Linfield outplayed Derry to earn an opening Setanta Sports Cup win at Windsor Park.

The Blues got their noses in front on 23 minutes when Thomas Stewart met a Steven Douglas cross with a meaty header that deflected off Derry defender Clive Delaney to enter the net.

Linfield doubled their lead five minutes before the break; Peter Thompson firing home a Mark Dickson cross at the near post for his 36th goal of the season.

Derry got a goal back on 78 minutes when Ciaran Martyn sidefooted home Ruaidhri Higgins' cross.

But Linfield had the final say four minutes from time when veteran striker Glen Ferguson slotted home a penalty after Stewart had been fouled by Barry Molloy.