Linfield 2 Crusaders Strikers 3
On a rain- and windswept Mallusk playing field, Linfield looked to take the points in the return fixture between themselves
and Strikers. And for a short time in the second half, this was more of a possibility than in previous games between the second and third placed teams in the Davisons Frudles Premier league.
The Blues were out of the blocks faster than Usain Bolt and they were on the scoreboard within the first minute with a looping windassisted shot that deceived the Strikers defence. By constrast, Strikers’ tendency to linger in the blocks is now costing them some valuable confidence in the first 15 minutes of some games.
Once they settled, however, their engine purred like any finely tuned instrument.
They created numerous chances in the first half against a strong wind (McDowell and McKenna were off target) before Natalie Boyd slotted the ball past the impressive Linfield keeper. This brought a surge of confidence to Strikers who went on to dominate the pattern of play in the first half.
Linfield, by constrast, continue to rely on the silky and quick feet of Kirsty McGuinness to breach opposition defences. Boyd converted a free kick from Debbie McCarthy later in the half to make it 2-1 to the visitors at half time.
Strikers substituted one up and coming youth player for another after the break – McDaid for Mulholland – and this provided the base for them to go on to pressure the Blues.
By constrast, wind buffetted Linfield created little or
no clear cut opportunities in the second half but, when they did, they made it count. Strikers’ Danielle McDowell opened her account for the season with a cooly slotted shot past the Linfield keeper after a wonderful build-up of one touch football in the final third between McKenna, Boyd, Patterson and McDowell.
The local crowd, numbering in large double figures, expected Strikers to press home their advantage but they failed to do so, allowing Linfield to gradually come back into the game.
Helen McKenna’s thigh injury led to her substitution by Paula McConnell but this wasn’t enough for Strikers. Linfield created a golden opportunity from their right wing and a wonderful converted cross brought the scoreboard to 3-2 in favour of the visitors. Were it not for keeper Angela Platt who brought off two wonderful saves late in the second half, Linfield may have taken a notable scalp in the Premier league.
Strikers maintained their concentration sufficiently to secure
second place and leave clear water between themselves and Linfield. Next week’s fixture sees them at home (Seaview)
to Fermanagh Mallards, ko 7.30pm.
Report -: Katie Liston Crusaders Strikers
