It was midfielder Joe Thomson who bagged the priceless first half winner – a goal fit to grace any occasion
Glentoran boss Declan Devine hailed his team’s discipline and character after their first ever Boxing Day win against bitter rivals Linfield at Windsor Park.
It was midfielder Joe Thomson who bagged the priceless first half winner – a goal fit to grace any occasion – to secure a 1-0 win. It was the east Belfast team’s first ever St Stephen’s Day victory at the international venue since the derby Festive fixtures were established in 1989.
The result puts a huge dent in Linfield title defence – it wasn’t a performance that will live long in the memory of their supporters, who came out in big numbers.
There was a minute’s silence respectfully and impeccably observed by both sets of fans for Callum McVeigh, who tragically died on Christmas Eve – he was a product of both clubs.
“The boys were fantastic from minute one,” declared Devine. “We knew we had to be on it coming to this venue and the boys to a man stood up to the test.
“I felt we were the dominant team. Linfield are a good side, they are the reigning champions for goodness sake.
“I know they’re down a couple of bodies, but to come to Windsor Park on a Boxing Day, which has proven over the last 50 odd years is extremely difficult, but I felt our players embraced it.
“I was a brilliant goal by Joe to win it. He’s had his injury problems of late, but there are few better in the League when he’s on it. His goal was fit to grace any occasion. “
The Glens who should have been in front on 21 minutes. Jordan Stewart’s dancing feet took him clear on the left and when he produced a brilliantly delivery to the back post, Pat Hoban headed over the top when it looked easier to score.
The visitors almost broke the deadlock on 27 minutes. Thomson gobbled up a clearance from Blues skipper Jamie Mulgrew and he tried his luck with a stinging low drive that had goalkeeper Chris Johns at full stretch.
But it was the Glentoran fans who were jumping with job two minutes later.
Thomson roared through the middle of the Linfield defence unchallenged before sending an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving Johns no chance.
Glentoran had another decent chance 11 minutes from half-time when Ryan Cooney’s corner kick was met by Kamson Karmara, but John pulled off a smart save.
The Blues tried to repair the damage after the restart, with Dane McCullough’s cross finding Fitzpatrick, but his header lacked conviction and power.
But the Glens should have been out of sight on 55 minutes when Hoban’s brilliant pass sent Jordan Jenkins through the middle, but after a lung-busting 40 yard run, he attempted to dink the ball over Johns, who produced a marvellous save.
Linfield manager David Healy admitted his boys were not at the races.
“It was disappointing and frustrating,” said the former Northern Ireland international striker. We were just not at it, which is puzzling.
“I thought we were second best for long periods in the game. We did have one or two opportunities that we over-run the ball, misplaced the pass in the final third.
“That’s not taking anything away from Glentoran. I’m humble enough and honest enough at times to say they were probably better than us today.
“But derby games sometimes aren’t won by the best team, they’re won by the hungrier team.”
