David Healy’s Linfield hit back with a stunning 60-second second half double whammy to win this big Belfast derby against Cliftonville at Windsor Park.
The first half may have been a damp squib, with Chris Shields having a penalty kick saved by Reds goalkeeper David Odumosu, but the second 45 minutes was a thriller.
The Reds looked to be on their way to their second win over the Blues at the international venue this season when Joe Gormley shot them into the lead with only 14 minutes remaining, volleying home a cross from Aaron Pettifer.
But with the clock ticking down Healy’s men roared back and levelled on 81 minutes. Joel Cooper produced a moment of magic before finding Kyle McClean, who drove low under Odumosu.
It got even better for the Blues because they were in front 60 seconds later. This time Chris McKee picked out Matthew Fitzpatrick, who produced a brilliant finish, drilling the ball low in hard into the bottom corner.
Linfield
Linfield
2
:
1
Cliftonville
Cliftonville
Matthew Fitzpatrick
82′
Kyle McClean
81′
Joe Gormley
76′
8 minutes ago
Keith Bailie
Joe Gormley thought he had scored the winner for Cliftonville in the 76th minute, but Linfield – through Kyle McClean and Matthew Fitzpatrick – scored twice in two minutes to claim the points.
A massive win for Linfield. The Blues lead the league by 16 points!
9 minutes ago
Keith Bailie
IAN McNABB FINALLY BLOWS HIS WHISTLE!
90’+12
Keith Bailie
We’ve had 12 minutes of stoppage time!
90’+12
Keith Bailie
Cliftonville chuck the ball into the box but drifts behind for a goalkick
90’+10
Keith Bailie
We’ve passed the 100 minute mark. On we go
90’+8
Keith Bailie
A Cliftonville cross from Joe Gormley is held by David Walsh.
90’+8
Keith Bailie
Cliftonville look short on ideas.
90’+8
Keith Bailie
Two minutes left. Every blue shirt is behind the ball.
90’+7
Keith Bailie
Man of the Match goes to Linfield’s Kyle McClean
90’+4
Keith Bailie
Rory Hale hits the target but it’s easily held by David Walsh. He probably should have crossed it into the box.
90’+4
Keith Bailie
Cliftonville free-kick 25 yards from goal.
90’+1
Keith Bailie
There will be NINE minutes of stoppage time.
89′
Keith Bailie
Is there a way back into this game for Cliftonville? They will need to take risks now
84′
Keith Bailie
That’s superb from Christopher McKee. He runs at the Cliftonville defence before sliding it through to Matthew Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick still had plenty to do. He fires across goal from the corner of the box to find the far corner.
Fantastic goal. Fantastic drama
82′
Keith Bailie
This game has turned on its head!
82′
Keith Bailie
It was a moment of magic from Joel Cooper who shows great skill before sliding a beautiful ball across goal. Kyle McClean slides in and tucks home from inside the six yard box
81′
Keith Bailie
It’s level!
80′
Keith Bailie
Joe Gormley is flying now.
He burst into the box and unleashes a powerful shot that is pushed away by David Walsh. The Reds on top now.
78′
Keith Bailie
Can Linfield find away back into this? There 13 minutes left on the clock plus at least six minutes of added time
77′
Keith Bailie
Cliftonville lead, slightly, against the run of play
