GLENTORAN have lifted the Gibson Cup for the first time since 2005, prompting infectious elation from a crowd of thousands at the Oval this afternoon and an elegiac surrender from Linfield, while Windsor Park stood empty.

Reflecting on his team's typically long-winded route to victory, Alan McDonald had complained of becoming a candidate for a towards a cardiac arrest after last week's win over Coleraine. However the former defender will be celebrating tonight, regardless of whether a summer of relaxation is enough to resume normal blood circulation.

"I am absolutely over the moon for our players today," McDonald said. "I do not make a habit of singling out performances and today marks a very special occasion that is down to a team effort. We thoroughly deserved this. I can imagine however how David Jeffrey and his team feel, we were second best last year and the year before. Every possible human emotion has been felt this afternoon, and to top it all with such joy is inexpressible."

An extremely dramatic opening goal set the precedent for this raw season finale. Dean Fitzgerald, who stepped into the starting eleven in the absence of suspended Shane McCabe, put Glentoran ahead after just six minutes. Gary Hamilton first troubled 'keeper John Connolly with an attempt from a tight angle but his effort was sharply deflected. An unmarked Fitzgerald however wasted no time in picking up the speedy rebound, beating an unstable Connolly.

Kyle Neill, who scored a hat trick during Glentoran's last home game against Lisburn Distillery, demonstrated a brilliant sequence of play, taking the minimum of touches before extending the lead after 17 minutes. His stunning left-footed finish stemmed after David McAlinden miscalculated an aerial ball, allowing it to fall into his path, with Halliday well placed to lightly assist.

Michael Halliday's honesty then cost Glentoran a veritable penalty appeal. The striker tried to stay on his feet after stumbling over John Connolly but belatedly lost his footing shortly after losing possession.

Matty Burrows scored with a crafty second touch, deep into the second half, his goal unnencessary to affect the East Belfast triumph, but, as he chipped it beautifully from just inside the 18 yard box, it did much to represent the style shown by the new champions.

The Reds did pull one back with four minutes remaining courtesy of former Oval frontman Rory Hamill but with that insurance goal from Burrows just a few minutes earlier safely banked it did little to dampen the spirits.

The usual suspects were seen to falter at the start of the season, dropping points in many instances where they ought to have done better. However, the quality among sides such as Linfield, Glentoran and Crusaders had certainly improved, in time for the business end of the season.

Paul Leeman and Colin Nixon offered their traditional package of depth and solidity while left-back Johnny Black was particularly effective in strengthening their defence. This organisation has partly been helpful in permitting Glentoran to take a more attractive line up front, playing the triangle nicely and productively.

The first half was scattered with a few half-chances for Cliftonville but one would imagine that if Eddie Patterson's men emerge from this game with no fresh injury concerns before next week's Irish Cup Final, it would be enough to satisfy the Reds boss. Cliftonville threatened within seconds of kick off when Barry Johnston struck rapidly into the six yard box, forcing Morris to make another commanding save.

Speaking of goalkeeping, although failing to keep a clean sheet, Connolly did his best to streamline the scoreline. Hamilton conspired with Johnny Taylor five minutes before the interval, but the Reds 'keeper stretched to deny Taylor, and Daryl Fordyce whose taxing overhead shot landed into Connolly's arms moments later.

Elliott Morris, who has kept Glentoran in the driving seat in recent weeks, said that this was a dream finish to an excellent season. "I do feel that myself and other players in the side really found their strengths this year and that's clear now we're champions. To see the lads lifting the trophy and covered in champagne at the Oval is incredible - even though it would have been good to have the title in the bag at Coleraine last week. Thanks go to everyone involved in our success, especially the fans. They always turn out in good numbers but today, I can't remember seeing so many!"