Football: Clift hanger

THERE was to be no late, dramatic twist in the title race at the death - for Linfield that happened a week earlier and cost them their Premier League title.

Few words can comfort the Linfield fans this weekend, least of all "Chris" and "Morgan".

The Blues' match-day programme couldn't have sold many copies at Windsor Park yesterday - as Morgan, released last summer, was all over the front cover a week after scoring what appeared a title decider for Glentoran.

Linfield did what they had to do by beating Cliftonville but Crusaders failed to do them a favour by holding Glentoran at Seaview.

The Windsor Park fans will now reflect on what might have been but Blues' manager David Jeffrey was keeping his chin up.

"I said to the players that all we could do was make sure we got the three points and we did," he said.

"We were so close to keeping the score at 2-2 at the Oval and we would have been league champions here. It has been a phenomenal season for us but the title was just not meant to be ours.

"The team has showed excellent consistency but we finish second and that hurts.

"The fans were superb at the end and a big thank you to them but we share their frustration. Congratulations must go to Glentoran."

Linfield's first-half performance hinted that Glentoran would only need their second string to win the league title at Seaview.

The Blues struggled to get out of first gear and although Cliftonville caused the home defence very few heart-stopping moments, they did have a one-goal advantage at the break.

Sean Friars picked out John McElroy at the back post in the 28th minute with a dangerous corner and the defender's close-range header found the Linfield net.

The home side didn't come alive until the 38th minute when Peter Thompson rose highest of all to head Paul McAreavey's cross just over.

McAreavey then came close to grabbing an equaliser when he blasted a shot wide from eight yards.

Words of encouragement at half time from Jeffrey clearly worked as a hungrier home side emerged.

Mark Picking started the fightback with a superb low drive beyond the despairing dive of Paul Straney in the 47th minute.

In the 67th minute, Linfield clams for a penalty were turned down when Declan O'Hara seemed to handle the ball in the box.

However, three minutes later Keith Mulvenna handled and Glenn Ferguson buried the spot kick.

A minute before the end, Aidan O'Kane produced the game's memorable moment when he smashed in a sensational volley from 25 yards.

Linfield fans gave their heroes a standing ovation but a bigger party was beginning across the city.

VERDICT

Linfield sleep-walked their way through the first half but walked all over the Reds after

the break.

The title destiny was never in their own hands - and it showed.

Copyright 2005 MGN LTD
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