Linfield head North for their final game of this Sports Direct Premiership season to face Coleraine at The Showgrounds (5.30 pm k.o. all-ticket). In previous games this season Linfield have recorded 3-0 victories at home and away while Coleraine won 2-0 at Windsor Park in March.

Coleraine are in the middle of a disappointing run of results at this crucial juncture in the season, losing 1-2 at home to Larne and 0-3 at Crusaders. Victory over Linfield is a must for The Bannsiders to secure 4th place and a home tie in the European play offs.

Last time out a youthful Blues side were edged out 2-1 by Larne in a tight game at Inver Park. It is testament to Linfield’s exceptional youth system that no fewer than 9 Academy graduates were on the pitch at the final whistle – David Healy giving these young guns the opportunity to step up and gain some invaluable game time. 

It has been a season to remember for The Blues that will hopefully end on a high with a win at a normally difficult venue, and the players and coaching staff can then look forward to a well-deserved break before ramping up preparations for next season’s campaign. Roll on July! 

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.