Linfield are on the road for Matchday 15 of the Sports Direct Premiership, travelling to face border club Newry City at The Showgrounds (3pm k.o.). When the teams met earlier in the season at Windsor Park Linfield recorded an emphatic 6-1 win.
Newry City have had a challenging campaign and are currently one of three teams on 10 points, a place off the bottom of a congested table. Last time out they were left to reflect on a disappointing defeat, conceding two late goals to visitors Larne (1-2).
Manager Gary Boyle will be looking to quickly redress an alarming run of home form that has seen just one point banked from seven games, and you feel that Newry City are destined to fight a long hard season.
On a brighter note, the recent return from long term injury of highly rated midfielder John McGovern could be the catalyst the team needs. Newry’s panel on Saturday should include former Linfield players Lorcan Forde, Adam Carroll, Ryan McGivern and Adam Salley, with the latter impressing after signing a two-year contract in the summer.
Last Saturday the Linfield juggernaut rolled on with a 5-1 home win over Loughgall at a wet and windy Windsor Park. Level at the break (1-1), The Blues upped the ante in the second half and moved through the gears to score four unanswered goals – another valuable win for The Blues, who now have the security of an eight point buffer at the top of the Premiership table.
David Healy will have spent this week preparing his players for a tough, physical, game on a heavy Showgrounds pitch. Thankfully the stadium appears to have escaped the worst of the weather in Co. Down, although a pitch inspection may be required by the match officials.
Newry City can be expected to raise their game in front of a packed stadium, hoping to tear up the form book, and Linfield will certainly need to produce a team performance laced with steel and determination if they are to depart South Down with a win under their belts!
COYB!
Written by Ken Garrett
🎟️ Tickets for Saturday’s game can be found HERE
💵 Pay at the gate is available
🧑🧒 U11s are FREE with a paying adult