Linfield’s midfield powerhouse Kyle McClean orchestrated an impressive 3-2 win over Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday with a commanding display.
The 26-year-old scored two goals and covered every blade of grass in North Belfast to get the Blues back to winning ways after two defeats in a row.
McClean opened after 40 minutes with a rifled shot from the right channel of the box and sealed the win with a late drive from the edge of the box.
Crusaders had levelled through former Linfield forward Jordan Stewart and Jimmy Callacher – another ex-Linfield player – nodded home deep into added time to throw the Crues a lifeline.
The home side nearly equalised in the very last passage of play, but Chris Johns pulled off an acrobatic save to deny Lewis Barr.
Linfield manager David Healy was dismissed immediately after for encroaching the pitch, clearly unhappy about the time added on, but will be satisfied with the outcome of the game.
McClean was last season’s Player of the Year and his case was boosted by the 14 goals he chipped in from midfield.
He has scored four goals so far this term and could have got at least one more on Saturday as he revealed where his happy knack of scoring came from.
“I was actually a centre forward until I was 17 or 18 so I feel comfortable in there”, said McClean.
“I spoke about it last season, I’ve changed my game a wee bit. I’m trying to get into the box a bit more.
“We’re delighted. The previous week was tough and as players we were hugely disappointed.
“The manager needed everyone to step up, especially the senior players, to step up and be counted, particularly going to Seaview because it’s a really difficult place to play.
“We were delighted to come away with all three points.
Assistant manager Ross Oliver undertook Healy’s media duties afterwards and was quick to praise the contribution of Linfield’s other goalscorer at Seaview, Matthew Fitzpatrick.
The 30-year-old was in the wars, was attended to for a clash of heads twice and added a head bandage to the one he was already wearing on his elbow.
“I don’t think people appreciate what Fitzy does”, said the Blues coach.
“We were talking about him during the game, we said there was nowhere left for him to bandage up.
“He’s bandaged from head to toe and he’s still throwing his body on the line.
“I can’t say enough good things about Fitzy.
“The boys love him, everyone loves him because of what we get from him, which is 100%, every week.”
Oliver was also able to give an update on 16-year-old Kalum Thompson and 19-year-old Rhys Annett, both of whom were stretchered off in the games leading up to Saturday’s showdown at Seaview.
The teenage pair joined a lengthy list of injured players at Windsor Park but Oliver was able to offer some good news.
“Kalum, I’m led to believe there were no breaks or anything like that so you’re talking maybe a month out.
“Rhys, again, not as bad as anticipated and hopefully he should be back within four weeks instead.
“It still leaves us short but it is what it is.”
After losing to Glentoran in the league and Crusaders in the League Cup, shipping three goals in each game, this win was not only a shot in the arm for Linfield but it keeps them on the heels of Sports Direct Premiership leaders Ballymena United.
With a trip to Loughgall up next, Linfield are a point behind the Sky Blues with a game in hand, while Crusaders are eight points behind the table toppers with two games in hand and host Champions Larne on Saturday.
Crusaders; Tuffey, Callacher, Weir (c) (Williamson 17(Owens 83)), Stewart, Blaney, Forsythe, O’Rourke, Offord, Clarke, Franklin, Barr. Subs not used; Kerr, Lowry, Teelan, Smith, Vance.
Linfield; Johns, East, Whiteside, Shields (c), Millar, McClean, Cooper, Archer, McGee, Fitspatrick, Orr. Subs not used; Walsh, Ballantyne, McGarry, Leacock, Burns, Watson, Farr.
Referee; Mr Chris Morrison (Belfast)
