Irish Premiership: Six takeaways from Boxing Day matches
The referee’s decision played a central role in Thursday’s game, with Shane Andrews deciding not to disallow Linfield goalkeeper David Walsh’s knock on Jordan Jenkins outside the penalty area in the second half ), which aroused the suspicion of Glentoran head coach Declan Devine and surprised most neutral observers.
Glens boss described it as “The turning point“A game that ended 0-0 at The Oval.
The Blues’ back-up goalkeeper Chris Johns was left on the bench but playing the final half-hour with just 10 men in the Boxing Day showdown could have been too much for the away side. A challenge.
Linfield defender Sam Roscoe was subsequently sent off for a second yellow card 10 minutes later, while home captain Marcus Kane was also sent off for two yellow card warnings.
Devine’s side had the better of the game but failed to capitalize on the chances that would have handed them a fourth successive win over their Derby rivals this season, with Jenkins’ performance in front of goal particularly poor.
Linfield picked up a valuable point as back-to-back champions Larne were held to a 0-0 draw by Carrick Rovers when three ‘goals’ were disallowed to prevent them from leveling up with the top clubs.
Larne head coach Gary Hafron expressed disappointment after the game that Sian Bolger’s header, Matt Rusty’s shot and Andy Ryan’s shot were all disallowed by referee Ian McNabb.
Larne are ninth in the table, 22 points behind leaders Linfield, but still have six games under Healy’s side before the sides’ crucial clash at Windsor Park on Monday.
A victory for the leaders in this game would put them in a very good position to regain the Gibson Cup.
