Linfield and Portadown turn back time to set up classic Final match-up

Kyle McClean struck twice for Linfield

Ryan Mayse's penalty was enough to see off Glenavon

Linfield manager David Healy is relishing a tasty final chapter with Portadown in the BetMcLean Cup after his side stormed into the decider again.

The Premiership leaders will meet the Championship side in the March 10 decider after both sides won their Semi-Final showdowns.

It’s the first major Final between the rivals since Linfield won the 2010 Irish Cup Final 2-1. Linfield, who conquered Coleraine 2-0 in last year’s Final, overcame Dungannon Swifts 2-1 at Stangmore Park.

In the mid-Ulster derby at Mourneview Park, the Ports edged out Glenavon 1-0.

Linfield had defender Euan East sent off in the second half but two goals from Kyle McClean proved decisive.

Ryan Mayse's penalty was enough to see off Glenavon

Steven Scott ensured a nervy finish when he found the net on 82 minutes but the Blues’ Cup defence is still alive.

“Great credit to Portadown, they are a huge club with huge numbers and I’ve absolutely no doubt that they will bring two, three maybe four thousand to the final,” said Healy. “I love these occasions. I was involved in the Final last year and we’d love to hold on to the trophy.

“No matter who we faced in the final, we were going into it as strong favourites.

“It’s something the players have to deal with, I’m sure they will deal with it, but it’s a game that we can put on the back-burner now until March and concentrate on what we need to concentrate on.”

Ryan Mayse’s first half penalty gave Portadown a slender win over their derby rivals. Portadown last won the trophy in 2009 and it’s their first appearance in the Final since 2011 when they lost 2-1 to Lisburn Distillery.

“I’m immensely proud of the players,” said