Linfield Rangers have been crowned NIFL Academy League U18 champions following a two-goal victory over Larne U18s at Inver Park.

The Blues went into the game knowing a positive result would hand them the title at the expense of their hosts, whereas second placed Larne needed victory or a draw to keep the race alive given their three games in hand.

In the end an early Liam Burns strike after three minutes, and a further finish from Braiden Graham on the hour saw Linfield - coached by current first team player and club legend Jamie Mulgrew - clinch the championship.

Rangers cruised to the title, winning 22 of their 30 games and bagging a remarkable 99 goals along the way.

Reece Lyttle led the Blues' scoring charts with 14 goals to his name, while Aodhan Doherty (13), Graham (13) and Matthew Deeney (11) also reached doubled figures for the campaign.