Linfield clinch Irish league title for first time since 2012
Andy Waterworth scored a 12 minute hat trick as Linfield beat Cliftonville 3-1 to secure the Irish Premiership title.
By Alex Keery, SPORTS REPORTER
A draw would have been good enough, but the Blues had to fight back after an energetic Cliftonville took the lead early in the first half.
In the 14th minute Daniel Hughes lost Chris Casement and sneaked in at the near post to head home after Tomas Cosgrove’s cross after a short corner.
Waterworth wasted a huge chance in the 27th minute, finding himself free six yards out to meet a Haughey cross, but he mistimed his jump, and his header flew over the bar.
However, Linfield made an instant impact after the break.
Waterworth made up for his earlier miss to level the game in the 46th minute.
Casement’s corner found Stafford, whose header was saved, but Waterworth was in the right place at the right time to slam home from close range.
He added his 2nd in the 53rd minute to ensure that the title was heading to Windsor Park.
A superb individual effort saw him collect the ball around the halfway line and drive past McGovern before arriving in the Cliftonville box and smartly finishing low to beat Burke.
He completed his hat trick just before the hour after being hauled down in the box by Chris Ramsey, who was sent off.
Waterworth calmly struck the resulting penalty down the middle to put things beyond doubt.