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Linfield’s 2022/23 SPFL Trust Trophy campaign came to an end this afternoon with a disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat away to Kelty Hearts at New Central Park in freezing temperatures this afternoon.

The Blues will be disappointed not to have got over the line when they were just four minutes away from progressing to the Quarter-Final stage before conceding an equaliser late on.

David Healy’s men had taken the lead at the end of the first half when Eetu Vertainen got into the box before being fouled following a slip by the Kelty defender. Chris McKee took on the responsibility from the spot in the absence of the suspended Chris Shields and did so with aplomb, confidently tucking the penalty low into the net whilst sending the ‘keeper the opposite direction.

Linfield had more of the ball in the first half, although both teams had their spells of possession. Both teams moved the ball well and although Linfield were working the ball into good areas early on and put in a few dangerous deliveries, it took over half-an-hour for the first meaningful opportunity of the match.

It was Kelty who were first to threaten as winger Alfredo Agyeman was found to the right of inside the box and he hit a strong strike which drew a good diving save and strong hand from David Walsh. A rebound was blocked, as was a third effort as Daniel Finlayson blocked Kallum Higginbotham’s close range shot.

The Blues then went close up the other end just a minute later as Cammy Palmer got down the right and whipped in an excellent cross which was glanced wide of the far post by Chris McKee. Shortly after that, Eetu Vertainen had a goalward shot blocked by a defender when he received a low cross from the left from McKee.

Half Time: Kelty Hearts 0 – 1 Linfield

Twelve minutes into the second half Linfield almost doubled their lead when Eetu Vertainen crossed from the right to find the unmarked Matthew Clarke whose low shot was kept out by the leg of the goalkeeper. Although it was a decent save, Clarke will have been disappointed not to have connected sweeter from a great position.

Further opportunities followed for the Blues to double their lead but they weren’t able to advantage. Jimmy Callacher headed down Kyle McClean’s deep corner for Daniel Finlayson who fired at the goalkeeper and an even greater chance arrived on 73 minutes when Cammy Palmer slipped the lively Liam McStravick through on goal but the ‘keeper did well, narrowing the angle and saving with his feet.

The late sucker-punch for Linfield came on 86 minutes when Kelty Hearts’ experienced attacker Kallum Higginbotham took on a sweet driven shot from 25 yards which arrowed into the bottom corner.

Full Time: Kelty Hearts 1 – 1 Linfield

The match proceeded straight to a penalty shoot-out. It didn’t start well for Linfield as Jimmy Callacher stepped up first before unfortunately slipping whilst striking his penalty and subsequently firing wide. Nicky Low netted for the hosts before Ethan Devine converted well, and then Kelty’s Kallum Higginbotham fired wide and the scores were level after two penalties apiece. Both teams notched their next three penalties apiece, with Cammy Palmer, Kyle McClean and Niall Quinn all converting from the spot. Kelty were consistent too and this took the shootout to sudden death where Conor Pepper was denied and Fash Austin won the game for the hosts.

Match Images

1. David Healy discusses today’s SPFL Trust Trophy game
2. Niall Quinn discusses his Testimonial season
3. Jamie Mulgrew looks ahead to his 700th Linfield appearance