David Healy works out title maths as he pinpoints main threat
David Healy's done the maths and he reckons Larne lie just four points behind his Linfield team in the race for the title. Following Saturday night’s comeback victory over Cliftonville at Windsor Park, plenty of pundits have been quick to anoint the Blues as champions-in-waiting.
After Joe Gormley’s stunning finish had given the Reds the lead against the run of play, Healy’s troops stormed back with two goals in a minute from Kyle McClean and Matthew Fitzpatrick.
The result leaves Linfield a huge 16 points clear of Big Two rivals Glentoran in second spot, having played a game more. But Healy is looking further down the table at two-in-a-row champions Larne, who have played six games fewer than his side due to their involvement in Europe and various postponements.
READ MORE: Healy relishing showdown with manager who 'knows all about these games'
READ MORE: Kieran Offord completes Linfield switch as David Healy gets his man
“When I look at the League table, I calculate that Larne will be four points adrift of us,” said Healy.
“Yes, they have a lot of games in hand, but they are capable of winning those fixtures.
“That’s it in a nutshell. In this League, you look after your own needs and that means winning more games than your nearest challengers. It’s now on to the next game (against Crusaders on Tuesday).”
Healy was pleased with his team’s performance and the character they showed against Cliftonville, but admits results are what really matter at this point in the season.
“A lot of people outside Linfield question our performances yet the results have been good.
“Sometimes I do question performances but the most important thing, certainly at this stage, is the three points.
“I thought we were very good. We found ourselves behind because of the capabilities and the quality of Joe Gormley, who has had those qualities for a life time. It was a nothing ball into the box and he put it into our net.
“But we regrouped. Credit to the players, they showed resolve; they showed character and, even more importantly, they showed the quality they have.
“Our two goals were well-worked; the timing of runs and the weight of passes, the players deserve credit. It was a brilliant pass from Cooper for the first one and great run and finish by Kyle.
“And, for the second Chris McKee picked out Fitzy and again he put it away brilliantly.
“Not being disrespectful to Cliftonville, I thought we were very good and certainly deserved winners.”
Reds boss Jim Magilton had no complaints, stating: “The equaliser killed us. They had the momentum when they scored and we were all over the place for their second goal.
“There was something like 60 seconds between the two goals. It was a cardinal sin.
“We didn’t have enough breathing space after they equalised. If you give good players time and space, they will punish you.
“Overall, we didn’t do enough, Linfield were deserved winners.”
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox