Blues boss Healy was far from impressed with what he witnessed at Windsor as the hosts suffered their first ever Boxing Day loss to Glentoran at home
Linfield manager David Healy admitted his side were second best all over the park against Glentoran on Boxing Day and called on his players to be more ‘accountable’. Joe Thomson’s first half wonder striker not only breathed fresh life into the Glens’ title hopes but also earned them their first ever Boxing Day win over the Big Two enemy at the international venue.
It was a goal fit to grace any occasion, a 25-yard effort that fizzed into the top corner. Blues boss Healy was far from impressed with what he witnessed at Windsor, however.
“I take the blame in defeat at times, but on this occasion, the players need to, they need to be more accountable,” said the former Northern Ireland international striker.
“I can change shape, I can change personnel at times and whatever else, but the players should go on to the pitch and determine the outcome of the game.
“We just lacked quality, we lacked a decent delivery, we lacked a decent pass. The bottom line is Glentoran were better than us . . . we were second best.
“I thought we were second best for periods in the game. 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. Derby games sometimes aren’t won by the best team; they’re won by the hungrier team.”
Glentoran boss Declan Devine insists his team have set the bar for the rest of the season following their historic win. The result meant that the Glens moved into third place in the Sports Direct Premiership table, 11 points behind high-flying Larne, but Devine’s men have played one game less.
“I’ve always said, on our day we are a match for any team in this League,” beamed Devine. “I know what this team are capable of, I see it in training every day.
“We’ve now set the bar for the remainder of the campaign. In the second part of the season, we have to be better . . . we have to continue every week to get better.
“If we do that, we’ll not be far away. I really do believe that this is as good a squad as I’ve managed . . . and I’ve managed some big clubs. I’ve been fortunate in my career.
“The sky is the limit for them. They have the potential. We’ve got to really try and improve now in the second part of the season. If we can do that, we give ourselves a chance.”
Devine also hailed Thomson’s technique in terms of his wonder strike.
“We brought him to the club to get big goals in big games,” he added. “And what a strike, what a strike. It was something we see every day in training.
“We’re only scratching the surface with Joe, there is more to come, we know that.
“It was a goal fit to grace any occasion and fit to finally put that record to bed in terms of winning on Boxing Day at Windsor Park.
“I keep saying we’re a work in progress as well, but I know on our day we’re a match for anyone. To be able to come to a really tough venue and be so dominant, it speaks volumes for the side.”
