Ballymena edge out Linfield in five-goal thriller to win Shield

Ballymena United hold on to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory in the County Antrim Shield Final as Linfield twice hit the woodwork in the dying moments.

After a scrappy opening, Paddy McNally nodded Ballymena ahead on 32 minutes.

Guy Bates struck a controversial equaliser on 52 but David Cushley's deflected effort restored Ballymena's lead before Eoin Kane made it 3-1.

Mark Stafford replied on 86 before Kirk Millar and Aaron Burns hit the woodwork in a frantic finale at Windsor Park.

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