Linfield are through to the Irish Cup final following a 3-1 victory against Glentoran at The Oval.
Joel Cooper opened the scoring before two fine finishes from Kyle McClean helped the clinical Blues progress to the decider for the first time since 2021.Linfield will face the winner of the second semi-final between Cliftonville and Larne, who play on Saturday.Linfield had won three out of four meetings in all competitions this season coming into this semi-final, but the solitary Glens win came at The Oval, when they beat the Blues 4-0 in December.
It was a similar story at the other end four minutes later, as a poor goal-kick from Aaron McCarey landed at Joel Cooper's feet and he drove forward before picking out Joshua Archer, whose delivery evaded everyone. McClean's deep cross was only cleared by Singleton as far as Cooper inside the area, who fired home a low shot past McCarey.They had a golden opportunity to double their advantage as another cross from the left from McClean found Fitzpatrick, who headed over the crossbar from close range.Kyle McClean netted a second half double to help Linfield to their first Irish Cup final in three years
Shay McCartan went close to reducing the deficit for the hosts as his curling effort from 25-yards bounced off the post on 72 minutes.
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