Linfield complete double with cup win
Credit:
Linfield claimed their third double in a row and sixth in seven years when they defeated Crusaders by four goals to one in the JJB Sports Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon.
The score line was harsh on Crusaders who were the dominant side in the first half and could be forgiven for wondering how they left the pitch two-nil down at the interval. They must now pick themselves up for the Setanta Cup final against Derry next weekend.
Linfield started stronger but gradually the Hatchetmen grew into the match and were enjoying the lion’s share of possession as the game approached the half hour mark. Despite being under the cosh for much of the early part of the game the Blues showed why they are champions by scoring with their first real opportunity when Mark McAllister pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it past Sean O’Neill in the Crusaders goal.
He repeated the feat four minutes later when Jamie Mulgrew burst down the wing and his cross-cum-shot was palmed by O’Neill into the path of McAllister who gleefully slammed it home.
Stephen Baxter changed things up in the second half and the introduction of Jordan Owens led to a more direct approach by the north Belfast outfit in the attempt to convert the chances they were creating.
They were back in it on 56 minutes when a free-kick by Colin Coates deflected off the wall and looped over Alan Blayney into the net.
The momentum now seemed to be with Crusaders but Linfield demonstrated the clinical ability to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way.
Michael Carvill restored their two goal advantage when his wonderful free-kick from the edge of the area screamed in to the top corner and sent the large Blues support into ecstasy.
Crusaders grew increasingly desperate as the game entered the final stages and replaced left back Stephen McBride with Aidan Watson in one last throw of the dice with ten minutes remaining.
Linfield exploited the gap left by McBride’s absence when the impressive Chris Casement pulled the ball back for Jamie Mulgrew to seal the victory and cement a remarkable period of dominance by the south Belfast club.
Crusaders: Sean O'Neill, Gareth McKeown (Leeman 45), Stephen McBride (Aidan Watson 80), David Magowan, Colin Coates; Stuart Dallas, Chris Morrow, Declan Caddell, David McMaster (Owens 45); David Rainey, Timmy Adamson.
Subs not used: Paul Leeman, Ryan McCann, Michael Halliday.
Linfield: Alan Blayney; Damien Curran, William Murphy, Albert Watson, Jim Ervin, Michael Carvill, Robert Garrett (Chris Casement 71), Jamie Mulgrew (BJ Burns 89), Philip Lowry; Mark McAllister (Fordyce 92), Peter Thompson.
Subs not used: Stuart Addis, Daryl Fordyce, Gary Browne.
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Mark McAllister
