THAT WILL DO FOR BLUES...
Mark McAllister unleashes an unstoppable shot against Carrick
THERE were a few excited cheers at Windsor Park as the quarter-final draw for the JJB Sports Irish Cup was broadcast on Saturday evening.
Linfield – fresh from their 5-1 mauling of Carrick Rangers – had just been handed a home tie against either Coagh United or Newbuildings.
If Carlsberg did Irish Cup draws then this was the one for the Blues.
It provides David Jeffrey’s side with a relatively safe passage to the semi-finals, and with it one step closer to defending their crown.
But with this year’s competition having thrown up the odd shock so far – notably Newington’s fifth round victory over Glentoran – Jeffrey gave an understated reaction to the last-eight draw.
“We have a home draw which is pleasing,” he said.
“You always look for that, that maybe you look to avoid some of the bigger teams in the competition.
“But there have been enough shocks already in the cup, so we will be thoroughly professional as we always are.
“We have been to Coagh and Newbuildings in pre-season campaigns. We like to visit the Linfield family across the country.
“Whoever gets through we will examine and study closely. But that tie is further down the line.”
Linfield booked their place in the quarters with a stellar performance against Carrick.
They appeared home and hosed by half-time as they sauntered into a 2-0 lead.
Peter Thompson broke the deadlock with a sublime volley in the 21st minute.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Philip Lowry scored from close range after Carrick goalkeeper Paul Murphy palmed Mark McAllister’s shot into his path.
The second half witnessed even more Linfield dominance, with Lowry making it 3-0 on 60 minutes with a cool finish after being sent clear by McAllister.
McAllister got in on the act one minute later, finishing off a rapier move involving Jim Ervin and Thompson the result a thunderous shot that nestled in the top corner.
Substitute Daryl Fordyce added a fifth with a curling free-kick in the 78th minute.
To their credit Carrick kept trying to play passing football and were rewarded with a fine goal two minutes from time.
Paul Heatley went on a meandering run before laying off for Shane Dolan who dispatched past Alan Blayney from the edge of the box.
Saturday’s win made it 10 goals in Linfield’s last two games – they hammered Crusaders the week previous.
“That’s 10 goals in last two games. That is pleasing, especially as they have come against Premiership opposition,” Jeffrey added.
“Some quarters of the press haven’t appreciated us this season, but maybe they will now.”
Saturday also saw striker Thompson make it 31 goals in 31 Irish Cup games for Linfield – he has yet to lose in the competition.
“Peter has a phenomenal record. Thirty-one goals in 31 cup games and he has never lost in the competition,” Jeffrey said.
“He is top drawer, and supporters appreciate him.”
For Carrick boss Michael Hughes it was another steep learning curve for his players.
“It was 5-1, and I think I was disappointed with the goals we conceded,” he said.
“It is an issue we keep speaking about yet we keep conceding goals from set-pieces and second balls and stuff.
“But we talk about it and we keep trying to put it right.
“Generally, the performance wasn’t too bad.
“You are up against a good, strong Linfield side who score goals from every position.
“It was a great goal we scored which was another positive.
“We kept going at 5-0 and got some reward.”
LINFIELD: Blayney, Douglas (Armstrong 78), Gault, Lowry, Thompson (Fordyce 73), Carvill, BJ Burns, Ervin, Mulgrew, Watson, McAllister (Browne 77).
Subs not used: A. Burns, Garrett.
CARRICK: Murphy, West, Murray, Lagan, Hogan, Hutchinson, Harmon, Heatley, Hyland, McDowell (Dolan 85), O’Neill (Addis ??).
Subs not used: Brennan, Bell, Deans.
Referee: Raymond Hetherington (Belfast)
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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