Linfield 1-0 La Fiorita

Jordan Stewart came off the bench to score a debut goal which proved the difference as Linfield beat La Fiorita 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

With the visiting defence flagging in the 89th minute, Stewart collected the ball on the edge of the box and danced past several players, before skipping around the keeper and tapping into an empty net.

Linfield were potentially heading for a frustrating draw, as they had looked the better side early on, and notched the first real chance as Niall Quinn flashed a header over the bar after connecting with Paul Smyth’s 9th minute cross.

5 minutes later, Smyth’s corner found Mark Stafford whose header was saved. The ball rebounded back into his path, but the centre-half blazed over from a tight angle.

The home side kept knocking on the door, and in the 24th minute, Stephen Lowry smashed a shot from distance that flew just a couple of feet too high.

La Fiorita almost took a shock lead in the 38th minute as Rinaldi’s back post cross caused some confusion among the Linfield ranks.

The ball then rolled harmlessly across the box and with the goal gaping Olcese was unable to make contact for what would have been a certain goal.

The Blues wasted their best opportunity when Aaron Burns missed a 63rd minute penalty.

It was awarded after the visiting goalkeeper Vivan claimed a cross but was penalized for high feet, having caught a Stephen Lowry in the head and earned himself a yellow card.

Burns’ effort from the spot was struck well enough, but Vivan made amends with a flying save across to his right.

Linfield were forced to increase the pressure as they hunted for the breakthrough, but struggled to create clear chances.

A low shot from Smyth drew a save from the legs of Vivan, and Jordan Stewart headed straight at the keeper not long after coming off the bench.

But as the Sammarinese tired in their efforts to hold onto a draw, Linfield took advantage, and Stewart settled the tie.