Linfield flying high as Daniel Finlayson scores injury-time winner over Crusaders to send Blues top

The game appeared to be heading for a draw after Joel Cooper had shot the Blues into a first-half lead before veteran striker Jordan Owen levelled after the restart.

Finlayson had other ideas on a night of drama.

Larne, of course, can regain top spot when the entertain Cliftonville this weekend but there was no hiding the delight at the end, with Linfield players and fans celebrating. With only three games remaining, Healy’s men have three home fixtures to finish the campaign.

It was Linfield who asked the early questions with Kyle McClean finding Cooper in the left channel and, when he pulled the trigger, his shot was blocked by Robbie Weir.

The Blues had another chance on four minutes when Daniel Larmour barged into the back of Matthew Fitzpatrick and, when Kirk Millar rolled the free-kick to Cooper, he could only drill his shot into the defensive wall.

Another Larmour foul on Cooper presented the Blues with another chance. This time McClean picked out Finlayson, who could only pull his shot wide of the target. Seconds later, Cooper managed to wriggle free on the left before picking out McClean but he too could only fire his shot wide.

It was perhaps no surprise when the visitors took the lead on 32 minutes. Cooper latched on to a pass from Ethan McGee and, after cutting past Philip Lowry and Larmour, he tried his luck from distance and his stinging shot appeared to come off the head of Weir before ballooning the net.

The home fans had to wait until 44 minutes to see their team threaten at the other end. Owens flicked on a Weir free-kick for Ben Kennedy, who could only drag his shot wide of the post.

It could have been costly before the half-time whistle when Millar found the unmarked Fitzpatrick free inside the box, who could only shoot against Tuffey.

Crusaders roared from the traps after the restart and were level on 56 minutes. Jordan Forsythe whipped in a delicious cross from the right and Owens got up above Finlayson to guide his header well out of the reach of Chris Johns.

The Blues attempted a response with skipper Jamie Mulgrew linking up with Fitzpatrick and McClean and, when the ball broke to Cooper, he could only shoot across the face of goal.

Fitzpatrick and Larmour then wrestled for possession with the ball breaking for Millar, whose shot dipped inches over the top.

Then, at the other end, Weir’s pass found Ben Kennedy, and with the outside of his left boot, he curled a great shot inches over.

And it was the home team who looked the likely winners. Substitute Jay Boyd outwitted Shields and when he blasted in a low shot, but it brought an impressive save from Johns.

But it was left to Finlayson to seal it. McClean’s corner-kick was met by the big defender and, although Weir tried desperately to keep the ball out, it trickled over the line.

CRUSADERS: Tuffey, Burns, Weir, Lowry, Kennedy, Forsythe, O’Rourke, Owens (Boyd, 80), Winchester (Maguire, 90), Larmour, Nixon.

Subs (not used): Kerr, Joshua, Heatley, Donnelly, James.

LINFIELD: Johns, Finlayson, Shields, Millar (McBrien, 83), McClean, Cooper, Hall, Clarke (Graham, 86), Mulgrew, McGee, Fitzpatrick (McKee, 74).

Subs (not used): Walsh, McCullough, Annett, Doherty.

Referee: Ben McMaster.