Healy hits back at critics as Linfield extend lead

David Healy's side now sit 9 points clear at the top of the table.

Recent history tells us that this is by no means an indicator that they'll go on to win the title, but they certainly look like a side that will confidently approach the post-split fixtures with a bit of a swagger.

Defeats to Glenavon in the Premiership, and Crusaders in the County Antrim Shield final, have brought about questions from some parts about the strength of the Blues.

Last weekend, they ran out 2-0 winners against a stubborn Institute side that were happy to keep 10 men behind the ball. Manager David Healy took the post-match opportunity to address some critcism about the way in which Linfield have picked up wins.

"Someone said to me that it looks like Linfield are 'stumbling over the line, and aren't very entertaining.' We've scored a lot of goals, and we've conceded the fewest. If that's stumbling over the line, then I'll take that," said Healy.

In truth, it was a routine win at Windsor Park. Like many visitors to the most secure fortress in Irish League football, Institute were happy to sit back and let Linfield do the work, tasked with trying to unlock a packed defence.

"I know there's frustration from some of the supporters. But one thing the players are doing well, and have done well this year, is being patient and waiting for that golden moment," said Healy.

It took until the hour mark for the goals to arrive. Jordan Stewart produced another piece of magic to crash in a 20-yard strike, with Josh Robinson heading from a corner 5 minutes later to score his 3rd of the season.

With centre-back partner Jimmy Callacher scoring an incredible 9 goals this season, and reserve Mark Stafford bagging 4, Linfield have been a constant threat from set pieces. Bizarrely, some have put this scoring streak down to pure luck - an observation that clearly amuses Healy.

"That's down to not just the takers of the corners, Kirk Millar and Niall Quinn, but the timing of the runs. The players have been lucky so many times this year from set plays. It's incredible," he joked.

This coming Friday, Linfield go to Dungannon Swifts in their final fixture before the split. As the biggest and most succesful club in the country, Linfield are undoubtedly a target for others, a way to measure themselves against the best, and also a chance to derail the Blues as they power along to the title.

"People still raise their game when they play Linfield. Some might think thats bigheaded of me to say that - but they do. Their standards raise. So we expect a big performance from Dungannon, and we'll need to match it," said Healy.

If this is Linfield 'stumbling over the line', then other teams should be wary of the Blues once they truly find their feet, and pick up the pace