Peter Thompson celebrates his goal against Shelbourne

The Belfast side were 3-1 outsiders against the Dublin full-timers but first half goals from Glenn Ferguson and Peter Thompson sealed victory.

Ferguson stroked home the opener on 26 minutes with a first-time effort from an Aidan O'Kane cross.

Thompson added the second 10 minutes later for the Blues who bank a winners' cheque of 150,000 euros.

Ferguson's well-taken opener came after Shelbourne had made the better start.

Jason Byrne had the first opening but was blocked by a timely challenge from Linfield skipper Noel Bailie.

The Shels then lost Ritchie Baker through injury with Bobby Ryan coming on as a substitute.

Match reaction: Bailie celebrates

The match ended with a double sending-off in stoppage-time.

An off-the-ball offence by Byrne brought him his second yellow of the match and he was immediately followed by team-mate Alan Moore for comments made to referee Mark Courtney.