Linfield have set up a ‘Big Two’ derby sixth-round clash with Glentoran following a comfortable victory over BPFL Intermediate side Wellington Rec in the fifth round at Windsor Park as Matthew Fitzpatrick struck a hat-trick.
It was an emotional day at Windsor Park with tributes paid to much-loved former Linfield player Michael Newberry who so sadly passed away on Monday. In honour of ‘Newbs’ who played for the Blues between January 2021 and June 2024, the teams walked out to ‘Going Home’ which is the walkout song for his boyhood heroes Newcastle United. A minute’s silence followed in respect to Michael, former Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer, and former Wellington Rec player Bradley Gracey. A fitting montage video of Michael Newberry also played on the scoreboard prior to kick-off, while his shirt was display on the centre circle, and there was a minute’s applause in the 27th minute, remembering the 27-year-old.
The Linfield team featured five changes to the team which drew 0-0 with Glentoran on Boxing Day. Matthew Orr, Sam Roscoe, Chris Shields. Joel Cooper and Chris McKee all dropped out. Roscoe was serving an automatic one-match suspension. Chris Shields was rested, not suspended, as his one-match suspension must be served in a Premiership fixture, so he’ll be missing for next week’s match against Carrick Rangers. Chris Johns was unavailable due to becoming a father.
After a couple of headed efforts over the crossbar from East and Whiteside for the Blues early on, David Healy’s team took the lead after 19 minutes when Kirk Millar’s cross from the right was headed in by Matthew Fitzpatrick whose bravery was rewarded as he nipped in ahead of the goalkeeper. It was Kirk Millar’s 200th Linfield assist.
Stephen Fallon threatened a while later as he found himself in a lot of space of right which allowed him to dribble the ball in towards goal before firing in a low cross which almost forced an own goal as Welly Rec full-back Scott Gault turned it just wide of the post. The defender did well.
The Blues then doubled their lead a minute before the break when Robbie McDaid swept the ball out wide right to Kirk Millar whose cross was spilled by the goalkeeper before McDaid was rewarded for continuing his run into the box as the forward tapped in from close range. It was a lovely moment for McDaid to score his first goal in exactly two years, in his first start since February 18, 2023.
HT: Linfield 2-0 Wellington Rec
David Healy made a change at half-time as Kyle McClean made a comeback appearance after two months out injured, replacing Jamie Mulgrew and subsequently taking the captains armband.
Robbie McDaid then went close twice in quick succession early in the second half. Firstly, he cut inside from the left and fired a low shot towards the bottom left corner, but it was well saved around the post. Then, a short time later, his looping header from Ryan McKay’s cross from the right forced a save from Jack Ferguson again, this time he pushed it away.
Stephen Fallon, Kirk Millar and Robbie McDaid were all withdrawn on 63 minutes as David Healy gave Cameron Ballantyne, Kalum Thompson and Rhys Annett a runout.
Teenage star Thompson made a bright impact and he almost recorded an assist after just two minutes, bursting away to lead a counter-attack before squaring it to Charlie Allen who blasted just over with his weaker left foot.
Thompson created another big opportunity a short time later as he slipped Ryan McKay through on goal, but the left-back’s low shot was well saved by the legs of visiting goalkeeper Jack Ferguson.
On 71 minutes, central defender Calum Anderson made his senior Linfield debut as the 16-year-old replaced the injured Euan East. Calum is the brother of Zach Anderson who also plays for Linfield Swifts.
The Blues eventually added a third goal in the 77th minute when Kyle McClean got the ball on the left side of the box and squared it across goal. The cross took a deflection before Matthew Fitzpatrick readjusted himself to lash the ball in from close range.
Rec goalkeeper Ferguson made two further good saves to deny Rhys Annett before the scoring was rounded off in the 92nd minute as Ethan McGee slipped it Matthew Fitzpatrick who coolly slotted the ball in low to clinch his first hat-trick for Linfield.
Credit must go to the visitors who – under the stewardship of former Irish League stalwart Glenn Teggart – put in a performance to be proud of, kept their shape well and worked their socks off on a pitch that would be significantly bigger than what they’re used to. They were backed by an impressive following as 463 away fans made the trip from Larne.
On a very difficult day for the Linfield players and management who were marking the loss of a former teammate, colleague and a dear friend, they still got the job done and for that they deserve a pat on the back.
MICHAEL NEWBERRY, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
FT: Linfield 4-0 Wellington Rec
HIGHLIGHTS
INTERVIEWS
MICHAEL NEWBERRY TRIBUTES
PHOTOS
