A second-half goal from in-form striker Matthew Fitzpatrick was enough for Linfield to take the derby bragging rights last night, with the Blues putting themselves right back in the title mix by moving within five points of the top of the table.
Such a scenario was unthinkable just a few weeks ago when the Blues were 16 points off the summit, however back-to-back defeats for Larne, coupled with Linfield’s strong league form has set up a potential four-horse race that could grasp the intrigue of the nation.
The derby intensified in importance following league leaders Larne’s defeat to Carrick Rangers in the East Antrim derby on Friday night. Linfield came into the match eight points behind, but with a game in hand over Larne. Plus, whilst The Blues were also two points ahead of Glentoran coming into the match, the Glens had two games in hand over Linfield, so it was important that the Blues won, otherwise their old rivals would have been leaving Windsor Park in a strong position.
David Healy made one change to the team which won 4-1 away to Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday evening, welcoming Euan East back to the squad as he came into the side in place of Sean Brown who dropped to the bench. On the other side, Glentoran were without striker Pat Hoban, midfielder Joe Thomson, and defender MJ Kamson-Kamara, all suspended. 4,757 spectators were in attendance.
Although it wasn’t a classic, it only took three minutes before there was a big talking point in the match as a Glentoran penalty appeal was rejected by referee Stephen Gregg. Euan East’s defensive header back to central defender Darragh Leahy initially appeared harmless, but Leahy opened up his body and hadn’t seen Glentoran striker Jordan Jenkins nipping in from his blind-side. The forward nipped in and was first of the ball, hitting the deck when Leahy made a challenge. Jenkins stayed down but the referee felt there was no foul.
The Blues were not at their best in a first half in which Glentoran had the better opportunities without being great themselves. Glentoran left-back Danny Amos was first to threaten, surging from deep before firing a shot into the side netting from just inside the Linfield box.
Jordan Jenkins had the best chance of the half and probably should have put the Glens ahead. He led a counter-attack, releasing Ross Clarke down the right before darting to the back post to be found by Clarke’s cross, but the forward didn’t connect well with a volley when he had the goal at his mercy and Ethan McGee was able to clear.
Former Linfield winger Ross Clarke – who once scored a Boxing Day winner for the Blues against the Glens – impressed for his new team, and another of his crosses caused Linfield problems later in the first half when he picked out Aaron McEneff in the middle, but he fired over when he should have done better.
Despite numerous opportunities to deliver free-kick and corner set-piece plays, the Glentoran goalkeeper was untested in the first half. Linfield’s best opening was when a neat and quick combination of passes between McClean and Fitzpatrick opened up a very promising counter-attack, but Isaac Baird’s attempt to put Kirk Millar through on goal was crucially intercepted.
Late in the half, Fitzpatrick and McClean combined again inside the box before McClean squared the ball to Sam Taylor whose touch was loose and subsequently a good opportunity went begging.
HT: LINFIELD 0-0 GLENTORAN
Whilst the Glens edged the first half, the Blues lifted it in the second half and a strong 45 minutes proved fruitful.
The match remained evenly poised until the hour-mark. Kirk Millar made a crucial defensive challenge at one end, backtracking to beat Danny Amos to Jordan Stewart’s pull-back, then the Blues went up the other end and won a throw high up the pitch. Ethan McGee launched the ball into the box and his long throw found Matthew Fitzpatrick who swivelled and fired the ball into the bottom corner. The in-form striker now has 21 goals for the season and has bagged seven goals in his last four appearances.
Glentoran threatened eight minutes later with a move down the right and Ross Clarke lifted the ball behind the Linfield defence for Jordan Jenkins to bring down on his chest before his low strike was well saved by Chris Johns down low to his right.
Matthew Fitzpatrick then went close to striking again when the striker nipped in ahead of the Glentoran goalkeeper Andrew Mills to meet Kirk Millar’s cross to the front post, but his glancing header flashed just wide.
A few minutes later, Josh Archer’s tantalising cross flashed right across the face of goal with Kyle McClean not far off the end of it as the Blues remained on top and searching for an elusive second goal.
Glentoran threw everything at it in the latter stages and into three additional minutes, but the Blues defended brilliantly to claim a valuable three points. Even leaving league standings aside, David Healy and everyone associated with Linfield will be delighted to hit back after the bitter disappointment of losing the Boxing Day derby.
Linfield now have the most clean sheets in the Premiership this season with 16.
The Blues are now unbeaten in their last nine league matches (7 wins, 2 draws) and make the trip to Inver Park to face leaders Larne, who are five points ahead. Another match of huge importance as the Blues try to make further progress in a title race that few thought they’d be involved in just a few weeks ago.
FT: LINFIELD 1-0 GLENTORAN
Linfieldfc.com Man of the Match: Kirk Millar
LINFIELD: Chris Johns (GK), Ben Hall, Darragh Leahy, Euan East, Ethan McGee, Josh Archer, Kyle McClean ©, Isaac Baird, Kirk Millar, Sam Taylor, Matthew Fitzpatrick
Unused subs: David Walsh (GK), Sean Brown, Alex Gorrin, Chris McKee, Adam Frizzell, Matt Yates
GLENTORAN: Andrew Mills (GK), Ryan Cooney, Daniel Larmour, Jarlath O’Rourke, Danny Amos (Ben Gallagher 80’), Cameron Palmer, James Singleton ©, Aaron McEneff, Ross Clarke, Jordan Stewart (Josh Daniels 67’), Jordan Jenkins
Unused subs: Milo Beimers (GK), Marcus Kane, James Douglas, Liam Burt, Dylan Gallagher
REFEREE: Steven Gregg (Ballyclare)
Yellow cards: Daniel Larmour, Ross Clarke (Glentoran), Ethan McGee, Kyle McClean, Jamie Mulgrew