Glentoran 0 - 1 Linfield

Linfield moved top of the NIFL Premiership with a 1-0 over rivals Glentoran at The Oval.

A penalty from Matthew Tipton ensured the Blues took the spoils in the Belfast ‘Big Two’ clash.

The result leaves a large dent in the European qualification hopes of a youthful Glentoran who see their poor form continue.

David Jeffery made his final visit to The Oval as Linfield manager, while it was a baptism of fire for 17-year-old Dwayne Nelson who made his senior Glentoran debut live on Sky Sports against a Blues outfit with championship winning pedigree in abundance.

The clash got off to a quiet start with some typically robust challenges and both sides cancelling each other out on the park.

However, the encounter livened up after 30 minutes when Jamie Mulgrew’s cross met Matthew Tipton at the back post, who failed to put the Blues into the lead.

Linfield took control in the final 15 minutes of the first half looking dangerous in front of goal.

Former Glentoran hit-man Andrew Waterworth successfully beat the Glentoran defence before shooting at the near post, while Ivan Sporule was also denied by keeper Elliot Morris.

The Glens’ keeper put in a string of inspired saves denying another attempt by Sproule, whilst Jay Magee was on hand to clear the rebound off the line.

While, Ivan Sproule’s blistering pace was certainly causing Glentoran problems, Philip Lowry came close with his vicious shot from the edge of the box, which scrapped the crossbar and notching Linfield’s first half tally to nine attempts on goal.

Ex-Blueman Curtis Allen gave the Glens their best chance in front of goal against the run of play but the former Inverness CT took one touch too many. Tuffey made his only save of the first half, before referee Mervyn Smith brought an end to the goalless first half in rain soaked East Belfast.

David Jeffery entered the second half thumping his chest and rallying the Linfield support in his final visit to The Oval as Linfield manager.

Jeffery’s display looked to galvanise the supporters and players as the Windsor Park club responded immediately.

The Blues were awarded a penalty on 49 minutes after Jordan Stewart brought down former Glens star Sean Ward.

Matthew Tipton stepped up to take the spot-kick and tucked it away in the left hand corner to deservedly put the away side into the lead.

Choruses of support for the soon departing Linfield manager echoed around The Oval as the Blues looked to be in cruise control.

Matthew Tipton took some shine off his decisive role in the tie and could count himself lucky not to be giving the marching orders. The Welshman was booked on 67 minutes for a scrapping his studs on Aaron Boyd.

Tipton was fortunate not to leave the pitch because of a red card as he was replaced by Mark McAllister soon afterwards.

The theme of robust challenges continued as Glentoran’s Stephen McAlorum tackled Michael Gault from behind.

On the 75 minute mark, another chance went begging for Waterworth who again opted to shoot at the near post rather than pass to a Blue shirt in the box.

Long serving Glentoran keeper Elliot Morris was forced to work hard once more, pulling off a double save from a Niall Quinn set piece, and eventually scrambling the ball away.

Linfield ran out comfortable victors but the score line should have been more convincing.

Linfield manager David Jeffery said: “The result was pleasing as tonight was the last time I will be at The Oval.

“I’ve had a fair bit of abuse here down the years but it was satisfying to hear the Glenmen sing ‘Cheer up David Jeffery’ because I was very well cheered up tonight.

“In truth we should have won by three or four but we showed great character and concentration but ultimately, tonight was more about the result than the performance.

“We have got ourselves back to top of the league and we have to kick on from here.”

Glentoran: Elliot Morris, Jason Hill, Callum Birney, Jay Magee, Steven Gordon, Stephen McAlorum, Dwyane Nelson, Jordan Stewart, Jim O’Hanlon, Curtis Alllen, Aaron Boyd.

Subs: Niall Henderson, Mark Miskimmin, Dermot McCaffrey, John McGuigan, Johnny Addis

Linfield: Jonathon Tuffey, Mark Haughey, Sean Ward, Niall Quinn, Billy Joe Burns, Jamie Mulgrew, Phillip Lowry, Michael Gault, Ivan Sproule, Matthew Tipton, Andrew Waterworth.
Subs: Michael Carvill, Reece Glendinning, Ross Clarke, Gareth Deane, Mark McAllister

Referee: Mervyn Smith
Extratime Man of the Match: Elliott Morris (Glentoran)