Cliftonville star delivers iconic Irish Cup moment with early goal celebration

Ronan Hale delivered an iconic Irish Cup Final moment on Saturday as he wrapped up a famous win for Cliftonville.

The Reds striker scored a clinical brace in extra time to earn a 3-1 victory over Linfield at Windsor Park.

It saw the North Belfast Reds lift the cup for the first time since 1979, ending 45 years of hurt and capping off an impressive debut season for manager Jim Magilton who was appointed last summer.

Read more: Cliftonville 3 Linfield 1 (AET): The Irish Cup final as it happened

Read more: Irish Cup Final player ratings as Cliftonville fight back to claim historic win

Hale made it 2-1 with a superb right-foot finish just 48 seconds into extra time.

His second goal was a breakaway after Linfield had thrown everyone forward for a corner, including their goalkeeper Chris Johns.

Ben Wilson won a challenge with Johns just outside the Cliftonville box, with Hale then running clear from inside his own half before tapping the ball into the empty Linfield net.

What made the goal more memorable was Hale celebrating about 45 yards out, holding his two hands in the air and checking over his shoulder for any last-ditch defending.

He then waltzed into the box before scoring and sending Cliftonville's fans into delirium.

It was a sensational denouement to a captivating final at Windsor Park.

Ethan McGee had given Linfield a 14th-minute lead as the Blues controlled the first half, but Sam Ashford equalised for the Reds just after the break as Jim Magilton's side hit back in style.

Hale made it 2-1 with a trademark finish in the first minute of extra time, and then he sent a final sword through Linfield's cup hopes with his runaway goal deep into stoppage time.

Reflecting on his first goal, Hale said: "I was very frustrated I hadn't had a chance in the game, and I felt when it came onto my right foot there was no stopping it. I knew what I wanted to do and I executed it."

On his second he added: "Ben (Wilson) did magnificent for the second goal and it was a long run. I didn't know if my legs were going to last, but I am. buzzing."

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice