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Linfield got their 2023-24 Sports Direct Premiership campaign off to a winning start as they edged out Dungannon Swifts in a five-goal thriller at Stangmore Park this afternoon.

The first half was an even contest with chances few and far between until it burst into life minutes before the break. Linfield’s first opening saw Matthew Clarke play a one-two with Kirk Millar before seeing his low cross deflected right across the face of goal.

Dungannon Swifts then went close when Chris Johns was forced into a good save as Joe Moore’s corner was met by a header from Dean Curry which was then deflected. Soon after, a 20-yard snapshot from Ben Gallagher brought a save from Johns down low to his left. The Swifts had a compact shape and looked sharp on the break.

The deadlock was broken on 42 minutes when Joel Cooper broke down the right and whipped in a right-footed cross which was excellently guided in by the head of Chris McKee who was placed in around the penalty spot.

A moment of brilliance then drew the resilient Swifts level in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Kealan Dillon unleashed a beauty of a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner.

Half Time: Dungannon Swifts 1 – 1 Linfield

The Swifts made a bright start to the second half and had a good chance when winger Joe Moore latched on to a blind backpass, and with the angle against him he had to square the ball. Luckily for Linfield, Matthew Clarke was there to cut out the pullback.

There was to be an early goal in the second half, but for Linfield. A quick free-kick led to Kyle McClean driving into space and sliding Joel Cooper through on goal where he was initially denied by a good save before he composed himself to dribble past the ‘keeper before smashing the ball into the net past two backtracking defenders as the Blues retook the lead.

Cooper almost scored again midway through the second half when he showed pace and skilful dribbling to burst past defender Dean Curry inside the box before his fierce strike from a tight angle flashed just over the crossbar.

The winger then turned provider when he got on the ball on the edge of the box before spotting Kirk Millar free to his left and from there Millar came onto the lay-off to curl the ball into the top right corner for his 50th goal in a Linfield shirt, making it 3-1 on 83 minutes.

After their dramatic fightback from 4-1 down to salvage a remarkable 4-4 draw away to Larne earlier this week, the Swifts were plotting another comeback as they pulled a goal back on 89 minutes as Niall Owens burst down the left and put in a low cross which was emphatically finished by Ben Gallagher.

In line with new laws, a hefty six minutes were added on and the Blues were reduced to ten men in the third minute of additional time when Daniel Finlayson received a second booking. Seven minutes were played in total but David Healy’s men held on for the three points. There was also a run-out for new signing Darragh McBrien, incidentally making his debut against his former club.

The Blues’ attention now turns to their first home League fixture of the season against Glenavon at Windsor Park on Tuesday, a game which Daniel Finlayson will miss through a one-match suspension.

Full Time: Dungannon Swifts 2 – 3 Linfield

Match Images

1. David Healy discusses Saturday’s Premiership win in Dungannon
2. Kirk Millar discusses Saturday’s Premiership win in Dungannon