Pat's through despite defeat

Linfield 1 St Patrick’s Athletic 0

A dramatic last-minute goal from Peter Thompson gave Linfield victory to see them win Setanta Sports Cup Group 3, but St Pat's go through as well as best runners-up.

Thompson struck right on 90 minutes to win a drab game for the Bluemen when he robbed Saints’ defender Shane Guthrie of the ball in the box to shoot past Gary Rogers.

There was precious little of note in a stale first half that saw only one clear-cut chance.

That came on 27 minutes when Jamie Tomelty’s cross wasn’t cleared and Mark McAllister fired over the bar from just yards out.

St Pat’s best chance fell to Alex Williams on 73 minute when his shot was well saved by Alan Blayney and David McAllister put the rebound wide.

Vinny Faherty then also came close for Saints on 81 minutes, but flashed his header wide from Damian Lynch’s super cross.