Linfield cut Crusaders' lead back to 7 points

Goals from Stephen Lowry and Andy Waterworth were enough to help Linfield ease past Cliftonville last night at Windsor Park.

The result means the current champions Crusaders still hold a distinct advantage at the top, but it's been returned to 7 points, with both of the top 2 having played 31 league games.

Linfield took the lead last night through Lowry's 22nd minute penalty, awarded after Ramsey blocked a Haughey effort with his arm.

The Blues defender then gave away a penalty at the other end, but it was fired wide by Jay Donnelly, meaning Cliftonville have missed 7 of their last 8 spot kicks.

The mistake was soon punished by the home side, with Andy Waterworth capitalising on some lax defending to finish 5 minutes before the interval.

Cliftonville never looked like getting back into the game, and only created one tame shot from Jude Winchester in the second half as Linfield took control. However, David Healy believes they could and should have scored another few were it not for wasteful finishing.

"When you don't score those chances, you get worried, especially against a side like Cliftonville. When you're 2-0 up and you continue to miss chances, they only need to get one if you take your eye off it," he said.

Although there's still a significant gap between his side and Crusaders, Healy is just focusing on his own results.

"When you're the one chasing a team and you play well and get the 3 points it doesn't matter who you play. The best we can do is go into the split keeping this 7 point gap. We're expected to win our remaining games, Crusaders are expected to win theirs."

For Gerard Lyttle though, it was another frustrating night. His side looked beaten at the break, and offered little in response.

"We didn't turn up tonight, let's be honest. We were poor. We weren't ourselves, and to be honest, we haven't been for the last couple of games. We've been flat. We haven't had a shot," he said.

Cliftonville have lacked a creative spark in recent weeks, and an exasperated Lyttle made no secret of his frustration.

"It's just ridiculous, and now's the time for me to tell the players to man up and find a way of winning and find it soon. I've got too many players playing with fear, and I want bravery. Honestly, we got away with 2-0 here, because it could have been a drubbing."

The result means Coleraine are just 1 point behind the Reds with a game in hand.