Linfield closed the gap at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangor at Clandeboye Park this afternoon. Incidentally, it was the Blues’ second away league win of the season – both wins have come at Clandeboye Park.

Linfield were without Ben Hall and Ethan McGee, both of whom were serving one-match suspensions having been sent off in the closing minutes of the Blues’ 1-1 draw against Coleraine a fortnight ago. Kieran Offord missed out through injury, so Chris McKee, Josh Archer and the returning Scot Whiteside all came into the starting eleven. Spanish midfielder Alex Gorrin – who’d been sidelined since March – also returned to make the matchday squad for the first time since March.

As for Bangor; they intended to start former Linfield goalkeeper Gareth Deane, only for him to pick a foot injury in the warm-up. Subsequently, former Dungannon Swifts ‘keeper Patrick Solis-Grogan took his place in the starting eleven, with teenager Lawton McMahon taking a place on the bench. Prior to the match, Bangor made an official presentation to manager Lee Feeney as the former Linfield star became the Seasiders’ longest-serving manager (2,001 days).

Lee Feeney was regarded as a maverick player who’d excite supporters, today’s match perhaps could have done with a young ‘Feeno’ as it was more of a battle, with chances limited on both sides.

Bangor will look back at a big opportunity in the ninth minute of the match as a key moment which could have changed the complexion of the match, as Lewis Harrison slipped Ben Cushnie through on goal, only for the forward to be denied by Chris Johns who raced out of his goal to narrow the angle and spread himself to make a superb save.

Linfield’s only chance in the early stages came when Matthew Fitzpatrick got the run on his marker to meet a corner delivery from the excellent Dane McCullough, but despite good contact, the forward’s header went over the crossbar.

Soon after, an excellent intervention from former Linfield stalwart Mark Haughey prevented Matthew Fitzpatrick getting on the end of a dangerous cross from Sean Brown. The ball went for a corner kick which was delivered by Kirk Millar and headed just over by Scot Whiteside.

The Seasiders had another good chance on the half-hour mark, when a corner was delivered by Tiarnan Mulvenna and met by Ben Arthurs who made good connection on a header from around 12 yards, but he will be disappointed as he directed an effort straight at Chris Johns.

The Blues had a short spell of pressure in the closing stages of a fairly dull first half. David Healy’s men caused Bangor problems with a high press which led to Chris McKee getting the ball in a great position, but Bangor ‘keeper Solis Grogan made a brave surge out of his goal to meet McKee and it proved to be a great decision as he put in a vital challenge.

Solis Grogan took a sore knock to his ankle in the process, but after some concern he continued to play on, and he was called into action again before the break as he parried away a Chris McKee cross that was intended for Matthew Fitzpatrick lurking in the middle.

HT: BANGOR 0-0 LINFIELD

Bangor made the stronger start to the second half before the Blues scored somewhat against the run of play on 55 minutes. A long throw into the box from Dane McCullough was headed on by Isaac Baird, then headed on once more by Chris McKee before Matthew Fitzpatrick swivelled to fire in a low shot at close range to take him onto double figures for the season.

The Blues had their tails up and almost doubled their lead six minutes later as Kyle McClean broke through inside the box before being denied by a good save, then the goalkeeper benefited from the break of the ball.

A minute later, Bangor had their only real opportunity of the second half, but it was a great chance as Ben Arthurs broke down the left before getting past McCullough in the box. From there, he had the option of either having a shot or squaring it Ben Cushnie. In the end, it looked like he got caught in two minds as he rolled the ball wide of goal.

Linfield had a dangerous break, started by good hold-up play from Fitzpatrick who shifted it to Sean Brown who then released Chris McKee before his low strike was saved. McKee had McCullough in a good position to his left following a lung-busting run, but he didn’t see the run.

Bangor boss Lee Feeney emptied his bench of attacking players to have a real go at it in the final 15 minutes, but the Blues managed the game very well and didn’t offer the Seasiders any opportunities. The Blues almost sealed it late on as a short corner to Kirk Millar led to the winger’s cross being heavily deflected before catching everyone by surprise as it flashed right across the face of goal.

The Blues held on to what was a much-needed win after three consecutive draws in the League. Focus now turns to a home League match against Crusaders on Tuesday evening, for which Ben Hall and Ethan McGee will return from suspension.

FT: BANGOR 0-1 LINFIELD

BANGOR: Patrick Solis-Grogan (GK), Harry Lynch, Lewis Francis, Mark Haughey, Reece Neale, Stephen McGuinness, Ben Cushnie, Lewis Harrison ©, Liam Hassin, Tiernan Mulvenna, Ben Arthurs

Unused subs: Lawton McMahon (GK), Kyle Owens, Liam Burns, Alfie Mitchell

LINFIELD: Chris Johns (GK), Sean Brown, Scot Whiteside, Sam Roscoe, Dane McCullough, Josh Archer, Isaac Baird, Kyle McClean, Kirk Millar, Chris McKee, Matthew Fitzpatrick

Unused subs: David Walsh (GK), Donatas Jermavokas, Jon Graham, Alex Gorrin, Sam Taylor, Charlie Allen, Matt Yates

Referee: Louise Thompson

Yellow cards: Isaac Baird (Linfield), Lewis Harrison (Bangor)