The only goal of a dour encounter on a bitterly cold evening came on 104 minutes when Glen Hand fired past 'Stute keeper Glenn Millar into the bottom corner of the net from around 12 yards.

Institute, looking to add another piece of silverware following their earlier Carnegie League Cup triumph, might have moved in front early on when, after 16 minutes, Declan Divin struck an upright from six yards while, at the other end, Marc Roy came close only to find Millar on top of his game.

In the second half Ryan Campbell and Ryan McIlmoyle looked dangerous for First Division leaders Institute but Welders 'keeper James Thompson managed to deny them on a number of occasions.

With the game moving into extra-time it became obvious that one goal would win it - and Hand duly obliged moments from the turnaround.

The Welders last won the competition in 2003 and must now overcome last season's losing finalists Coagh United in order to claim the trophy for the second time this decade.