Linfield’s David Healy highlights craft behind ‘easy’ Andy Waterworth goal

In a season dominated by the unusual, defending champions Linfield have turned victory into standard practice - with Andy Waterworth’s appearance on the scoresheet proving another common theme across the campaign.
Kirk Millar (centre) finished with a goal and assist for Linfield against Portadown. Pic by Pacemaker.Kirk Millar (centre) finished with a goal and assist for Linfield against Portadown. Pic by Pacemaker.
Kirk Millar (centre) finished with a goal and assist for Linfield against Portadown. Pic by Pacemaker.

Waterworth’s fifth goal in four Premiership appearances proved decisive as the Blues edged towards three points with a 2-1 victory on an afternoon that featured a red card apiece.

Early exits by Portadown’s Chris Crane and Bastien Hery of Linfield - the first for a second bookable offence, the second an off-the-ball incident - failed to significantly register in the post-match views from either camp as focus instead centred on a thrilling Shamrock Park clash.

Kirk Millar broke the deadlock courtesy of a deflected strike then helped Linfield regain control following Lee Bonis’ equaliser with a superb assist which Waterworth converted. Both Millar’s cross and Waterworth’s clinical finish attracted admiration from Healy.

“People might look at that and see it as an easy finish but you have to think and know your whereabouts in and around the box,” said Healy. “It was a huge goal, one of a hundred important goals Andy has scored - not only for me but the football club.

“I thought Andy was good again, we’ve tried to adapt his game a little as he’s probably not got those yards of pace he had six or seven years ago...but Andy’s ‘Johnny-On-The-Spot’.

“It’s a fantastic ball in by Kirk Millar...he puts in magnificent crosses but is one of the best in training and works on that, so it’s not a surprise to me.

“I’m delighted with the win and three, as expected, hard-fought points.

“We knew it would be difficult and today proved that to be the case.

“We try to win games of football and, so far, the players have done but with plenty more games to come.

“The players, nine times out of 10, give me everything and leave it all out on the pitch.

“On a difficult occasion against a buoyant Portadown team I could have no arguments about the application of my players.

“As a traditionalist and Irish League supporter I’m pleased to see a club with the stature and standing of Portadown back in the Premiership.”

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