Preview of Warrenpoint Town away match
Posted : 24th March 2022 at 23:27:14
Linfield are on the road for match day 33 of the NIFL Danske Bank Premiership when meeting Warrenpoint Town FC at Milltown (12.30pm ko, all-ticket). There will be full live coverage of the game on the Sky Sports network. This season Linfield have taken four points from the two games already played between the teams (h1-1, a3-0).
On Saturday Linfield strengthened their lead at the top of the table after hitting five unanswered goals in a vibrant attacking performance that completely overwhelmed visitors Dungannon Swifts. Striker Chris McKee, whose hold-up play and sharp movement impressed throughout, celebrated his call-up to the NI U-21 squad with a smart finish to put the Blues three goals up. The afternoon though belonged to four goal Eetu Vertainen who delivered a cultured centre-forward display. The Finnish striker has been gradually eased into the NIFL since arriving in Belfast on a deadline day loan deal from St Johnstone, to embrace the challenge presented at Linfield. It was a good day at the office for the Blues who have now built up some real momentum ahead of the top-six split in the table.
Warrenpoint Town have endured a very disappointing season that sees them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. After recording only three Premiership wins and conceding 74 goals in just 32 games, Barry Gray’s team are now looking across a thirteen point chasm to the relegation play-off spot. Warrenpoint’s season was perhaps best encapsulated in Tuesday night’s heavy home defeat (2-5) to Coleraine, when a combination of poor finishing and erratic defending proved costly. Manager Gray did not hold back in his post-match appraisal calling it an 'embarrassing’ performance and result. With the number of games remaining now beginning to dwindle away, his team have a real battle on their hands to ensure Premiership survival.
Linfield will be heading to Milltown focusing on their own agenda for points, looking to put further daylight between themselves and the other main title contenders. Whilst the two teams may be sitting at polar opposites to each other in the table, the Blues will still be expecting a tough, physical game from a Warrenpoint side desperate for points and who will draw strength from their win at Milltown against Linfield last season. David will be hoping that after five consecutive wins, the fuse has been lit for an explosive title run in from the Blues. The large contingent of travelling Linfield supporters will certainly be playing their part, right up close to the action in the compact Milltown ground. This is without doubt a must win game for both teams! COYB!
Ken Garrett.