Blues Cling On - Linfield vs. Ballymena United

Windsor Park hidden among the terraces

For the second game of the weekend, it was a Saturday evening showdown for The Irish League Cup at Windsor Park between Linfield and Ballymena United. This pitted the top two in the league against each other and although Linfield led by six points, Ballymena had a game in hand and so it promised to be a great game. Linfield smashed their way into the final, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one in their four game route to the final. While Ballymena only scored 8, they also only conceded just once. Ballymena have become League Cup specialists reaching the least three finals, winning one and losing one before this evening.

Brilliant Ballymena following at kick off

Sadly the expected great game never arrived. Linfield take an early lead when the ball falls to the midfielder who finds his man in the box who beats his man before firing a low shot past the keeper to score the first goal. Ballymena then proceed to create chance after chance but fail to find the back of the net. Even when the Linfield defender doesn't realise his keeper is off his line when he plays the ball back to goal it won't go in for the visitors. They also miss a glorious chance when the ball is spilled in the six yard but the chance is somehow skied. Linfield manage to stand tall against the barrage to win the first of a potential treble.

Linfield behind the goal

Windsor Park is a very steady half hour walk from Belfast City Centre. About half way is The Woodworkers / Laverys with the former having craft beer while the later is good for any live sport you wish to watch beforehand. Then a bit closer to the ground is Ryan's Bar which had a good selection of beers as well as the sports channels. For some reason, there was no alcohol being served at the ground, I don't know if this is the norm or just for this game so it is maybe best to drink elsewhere on the walk down. The ground was about a third full for this game and the noise was fantastic so it must be deafening for Northern Ireland games. Despite it not being the best match, it was a great conclusion to a fantastic weekend.

Excellent programme including tiles at The Crown Bar

Far end of Windsor Park