Alan McDonald took over as Glentoran manager in May

McDonald secured his first trophy as Glens manager thanks to goals from David Scullion and Ryan Berry.

"They players have stepped up to the plate in this competition and there were some fine performances," he said.

"It's great for me to get a trophy but I'm more pleased for the players, who have got their just reward."

He added: "Like all cup finals form goes out the window and we gave the Crues proper respect as Stephen Baxter (Crusaders manager) has got a good team.

"We had to be at our best to win this match."

Berry scored the winning goal with a 25-yard strike and the young midfielder dedicated the Shield triumph to the team's supporters.

"In the last couple of years we haven't picked up as many trophies as perhaps we should have and are used to," he said.

"That win was for the fans - they were brilliant again here and we are delighted to win it for them.

"We set out our stall not to concede and then came out in the second half and played better.

"The chances started to come and we took two of them and it's always nice to score the winning goal."