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Second half goals from Christy Manzinga and Chris McKee ensured Linfield retained their three-point lead at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership with a 2-0 win in an eventful encounter against Glenavon at Windsor Park.

Linfield dominated the ball in the first half but Glenavon had the better opportunities, although it was Linfield who were first to go close. It took 19 minutes, that was when Christy Manzinga slipped the ball to the overlapping Kirk Millar whose low cross by the face of goal was stopped by the foot of goalkeeper James Taylor before the ball was scrambled behind when Kyle McClean was ready to pounce.

There were three occasions in the first half where Glenavon wondered how they hadn’t scored. The first of which came when Michael O’Connor’s corner delivery was flicked across the face of goal via a glancing header but Danny Wallace was unable to convert when he raced onto the ball at the back post.

Just like last week against Ballymena United, an instinctive goalline clearance from Niall Quinn came to Linfield’s rescue. Glenavon winger Conor McCloskey bustled his way past Matthew Clarke in the box and the winger cut the ball back into a crowded goalmouth where Calum Birney’s goalward touch was hooked off the line.

Robert Garrett almost scored a fine goal for Glenavon towards the end of the half. The midfielder got into the box and when the ball was fizzed into his feet he turned like a seasoned striker to create space in the box for a shot which he drilled just inches wide of the far post from 12 yards.

Linfield’s best effort of the half came when Stephen Fallon found a pocket of space to receive Ahmed Salam’s threaded pass and turn before his sweet strike from 25 yards drew a fine save from diving Glenavon shot-stopper James Taylor.

Half Time: Linfield 0-0 Glenavon

Glenavon introduced substitute Jack O’Mahony at half-time and he almost had immediate impact as Glenavon went close thirty seconds into the half. The young winger got down the right and supplied the perfect delivery for striker Matthew Fitzpatrick who will have been disappointed to have headed over from close range.

It then took two double saves from Glenavon ‘keeper Taylor to keep Linfield out a few minutes later. Taylor made a good block to deny Kyle McClean at close range after Ahmed Salam headed Kirk Millar’s free-kick to the back post back into the danger zone. The ‘keeper then got back up to make a diving save to keep out Jamie Mulgrew’s 20 yard volley.

Linfield were somehow denied again when Kirk Millar’s deep corned was diverted towards the face of goal where Ahmed Salam and Sam Roscoe both poked goalward efforts from two yards which Glenavon ‘keeper Taylor did brilliantly to block in quick succession.

A double substitution by David Healy on 57 minutes proved to be brilliant management. The Linfield boss made a double sub – Michael Newberry coming on at right back for Niall Quinn and Chris McKee coming on for Ahmed Salam. Salam was playing on the left and when he was withdrawn, Christy Manzinga went out left, with McKee through the middle.

Five minutes later, those tweaks paid off. Jamie Mulgrew – who today signed a one-year contract extension – drove forward before firing in a low cross at pace. McKee playing through the middle couldn’t get contact on it but his existence drew attention which paved the way for Christy Manzinga to ghost in at the back of the box to show composure and convert with a low finish when the ball made its way through as he netted his 19th of the season.

It should not be forgotten that the Linfield ‘keeper Chris Johns made a top save just two minutes before the opening goal. Matthew Snoddy’s shot from distance took a hefty deflection off Kyle McClean and it was going to dip in under the bar had Johns not adjusted his feet quickly to back-peddle and tip over the bar. Had it gone it, it would have been an uphill task for the champions.

Glenavon remained threatening on the break through a number of strong midfield runners in their side. This was the case when left winger Peter Campbell burst down the left and fizzed in a tantalising low ball in which was expertly defender by Matthew Clarke who needed to be strong.

Although Linfield had fair control of the game in the latter stages, there was naturally still some anxiety in the ground with the game remaining at 1-0. Thankfully for Linfield, the three points were secured on 88 minutes. Jamie Mulgrew was again the provider as he burst to the byline with determination before clipping in a pinpoint cross for on-loan Rangers forward Chris McKee to score his first Linfield goal with a nice diving header.

Full Time: Linfield 2 – 0 Glenavon

LinfieldFC.com Man of the Match: Jimmy Callacher

Match Images

1. David Healy : Happy with the three points. Performance was ok against a stubborn, hardworking, organised, Glenavon side
2. Chris McKee programme article
3. Manager’s programme notes