Match Report: Linfield 15th April 2000
Saturdays match against the champions Linfield was to be an intresting spectacle as for Linfield it was a party-atmosphere, but not one for the North Belfast club, Cliftonville in our second match against Linfield within 3 weeks. A packed Railway Stand, abunding with Linfield supporters, in stark contrast to the Cliftonville faithful situated in the North Stand.
The kick-off was met with a huge roar and it wasn't long before the Linfield fans were singing "Champiole"! Early pressure from Linfield was met by poor defending of the Cliftonville goal made the start a good one. Two early crosses, one headed over by Ferguson, and the other by the goal scorer Willaim Murphy was the pattern of Linfield at home all season with an almost impeccible record. Six minutes gone, and the with the goalkeeper stranded, Willaim Murphy rose unchallanged, and powered the ball into the back of the Cliftonville net.
Some good work after by Peter Murray on the wing was met with reward by a spetacualar volley which flew into the top right hand corner of the net. The Cliftonville support in the North Stand were ecstatic, as Murry after 12 minutes leveled the score. With the Reds with the wind in the first half nothing more could be made in terms of goals, but many chances went abegging, with Stephen Small being most impressive in defence. The Linfield Rangers were presented with their throphy at half time, but that was really all Linfield had to cheer from then onwards.
Cliftonville came out after the interval definately the stronger, and that was all they needed to secure all three points. Good pressure from the kick-off, and in the 63rd minute, a superb Tommy McCallion through ball to Keith Mulvenna, was slotted past Matthers, in the Linfield goal and that was 2-1 Cliftonville."The pass took out 2 Linfield defenders and totally put him through" said one supporter. The Reds fans was overjoyed and from then on were extremely vocal, as if they hadn't been all afternoon. McCallion went off and still the 'Ville were as strong. They held on but still attacking all the time with the shakey Hartley, excelling as the match went on. As the referee blew for full-time, the players went over towards the stand and showed their appreciation for the support.
A superb win which moves us away from the ever dangerous relegation zone but not without comfort with Lisburn beating fellow relegation rivals Ballymena 2-1. A win against Ballymean and Lisburn should secure Premier status for another year Hopefully the final match against Glentoran at the Oval should be a less pressured match with Premier status hopefully already secured.
