Linfield lose to Motherwell in pre-season friendly

The Irish League Champions Linfield lost 3-0 to Scottish outfit Motherwell as they continued their pre-season campaign.

The opening spell was evenly matched, with few chances coming until former Northern Ireland U-21 Captain Liam Donnelly fizzed a long range effort over the bar for the Scots in the 20th minute.

The visitors then took the lead 9 minutes later after an under-hit Mark Stafford pass failed to reach his keeper Gareth Deane, and Christopher Long was able to steal the ball and find the net despite Jimmy Callacher getting back on the line to attempt to block it.

On the cusp of half time, Linfield created their first real chance, as Mark Stafford’s downward header forced a smart, diving save from Mark Gillespie.

However, Motherwell extended their lead in just the 2nd minute of the 2nd half. Liam Polworth floated in a free kick from the left and it was substitute Peter Hartley who was free to head his side 2-0 up from 6 yards.

Long then struck the post with a 58th minute free kick, before both sides emptied the subs benches.

The Blues went close in the 67th when Lorcan Forde met Matthew Clarke’s cross, but he couldn’t make clean contact and bundled his effort over the bar.

But just 2 minutes later, Motherwell’s new signing Jake Carroll made it three when he scored with a 20-yard free kick.