Linfield win, but Healy questions remain
Linfield got the response they desperately needed, but David Healy’s post-match comments ensured the focus remained firmly on the issues surrounding Windsor Park.
The Blues produced a much-improved display to beat Glentoran 2-1 in the Big Two derby, with Darragh Leahy and Kirk Millar putting the hosts in control before Jordan Stewart’s late goal made for a nervy finish.
It was an important result after last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Ballymena United, and for large parts Linfield looked much closer to the side supporters expect to see. The win also eased some of the pressure on Healy and his players – at least temporarily.
However, the manager’s comments afterwards opened another chapter in the ongoing debate around the club. Healy described Linfield as being “in a little bit of a pickle” and questioned why the club’s hierarchy had not publicly defended him and his staff following the criticism after the Ballymena defeat.
That is a remarkable level of public frustration from a manager at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest clubs. Healy has repeatedly spoken about the financial realities facing Linfield and the need for supporters to adjust their expectations, but his latest comments suggest there are deeper issues behind the scenes.
For now, the football has given everyone some breathing room. It may not last long. Cliftonville visit Windsor Park on Friday night, and another poor result would quickly reopen the conversation.
Haveron wants NIFL to think bigger
Gary Haveron left Coleraine with a point – and a much bigger argument still to make.
Larne’s 0-0 draw at the Showgrounds was a tightly contested encounter between two of the sides expected to challenge for the title. Coleraine had the better of the early stages, while Rohan Ferguson and Lewis Webb both produced important saves to keep their respective sides level.
For Haveron, however, the bigger issue was the timing of the fixture.
With Larne preparing for their UEFA Conference League play-off against Lincoln Red Imps, the Inver Reds boss questioned why NIFL could not have postponed the game to give his players a full week to prepare.
His argument goes beyond Larne. Haveron believes stronger European performances benefit the entire league, particularly at a time when Northern Ireland’s European places are under increasing pressure.
Larne’s next two league fixtures have now been postponed because of their European involvement, but Haveron clearly believes the Coleraine fixture should have been treated in the same way.
He will at least take encouragement from the result. Larne avoided defeat against one of their main title rivals despite having Europe on their minds, and remain unbeaten after their opening league game.
The argument over the fixture calendar, though, is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Ballymena’s late frustration
Ballymena United left Seaview feeling that they had been denied a deserved point.
The Sky Blues appeared to have completed another impressive comeback when Chris McKee found the net in the 89th minute against Crusaders, but referee Niall Devlin subsequently ruled the goal out for handball.
Ballymena had already shown plenty of character after falling behind twice. Igor Rutkowski opened the scoring before Owen Wardell turned the game around for Crusaders, but Oran Kearney’s side continued to push for an equaliser.
McKee appeared to provide it, smashing the ball into the roof of the net after Graham Kelly and Matthew Clarke challenged for Sean Murray’s cross.
Kearney was adamant that the ball had come off Kelly’s head rather than his hand, describing himself as “very frustrated” with the decision.
Declan Caddell, unsurprisingly, saw things very differently. The Crusaders boss believed the ball had struck Kelly’s arm and praised the referee for making what he called a “brilliant decision”.
It leaves Ballymena with three points from their opening two games, but there is already plenty to like about Kearney’s side. After dismantling Linfield last week, they showed the resilience to push Crusaders all the way away from home.
Cliftonville starting to look serious
Two games, two wins and no shortage of reasons for optimism at Solitude.
Cliftonville followed up their opening-night North Belfast derby victory with a convincing 3-0 win at Bangor, making it the perfect start for Jim Magilton’s new-look side.
Kyle McClelland opened the scoring before Ben Quinn struck for the second consecutive game. Liam McStravick then produced the moment of the afternoon with a superb long-range finish to complete the victory.
Magilton described the display as a “really professional performance”, and that perhaps summed it up best. Cliftonville were energetic and dangerous but also showed the game management required to see out a potentially difficult away fixture.
There is an exciting balance to this Reds side. Rhyss Campbell and Quinn provide pace and directness, McClelland and Alex Bannon looked composed at the back, while Rory Hale – named Man of the Match – could arguably have scored three himself.
The Reds now head to Linfield on Friday night with six points from six. It is far too early to make any grand predictions, but Magilton’s side have certainly announced themselves.
Carrick are refusing to slow down
Carrick Rangers’ remarkable momentum from last season has carried straight into the new campaign.
Stephen Baxter’s side made it two wins from two with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at newly promoted Limavady United, following last week’s 1-0 win over Portadown.
Paul Heatley once again found the net, continuing his extraordinary return to football at 39, while Aidan Steele added a second before Alfie Gaston pulled one back for the hosts.
From there, Carrick had to withstand serious pressure. Limavady came close on occasions, but the visitors defended resolutely to protect another three points.
For Limavady, there were plenty of positives despite another defeat. The Roesiders have competed well in both of their opening fixtures but remain pointless.
They will need to become more clinical quickly – because the performances suggest they are capable of picking up points.
Lowe takes McAree’s advice
Rodney McAree’s Dungannon Swifts responded to their opening-day defeat with a narrow victory at Portadown.
Kris Lowe scored the only goal of the game, turning home from close range after Sean McAllister’s initial effort had been saved.
It was Lowe’s first goal of the season – something McAree had apparently been encouraging him to change.
The Dungannon boss admitted he had been “giving him stick” about not shooting enough, only for Lowe to respond by finding the winner with his weaker foot.
The result gives the Swifts their first three points and provides an important response after their defeat to Coleraine.
Portadown, meanwhile, are still searching for their first point under David Jeffrey.
Newington are the surprise early package
Seven points from nine. Joint-top of the Championship. Still unbeaten.
Newington’s start under Declan O’Hara is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The ‘Ton followed up their opening-weekend win over Annagh United with a 2-1 victory against Queen’s University at Solitude, with Paul Donnelly and Seamus Duffy putting them two goals ahead before half-time.
Mikey Withers pulled one back for the Students late on, but Newington held firm to claim another three points.
Alongside Ards, they sit at the top of the Championship table with seven points and a +4 goal difference.
It is obviously far too early to start talking about promotion, but Newington have already shown that their excellent opening weekend was no fluke.
