Tomorrow evening we cross the city to the National Stadium to face Linfield in the first of two “Big Two” semi-finals in the next month. First up is the Toal’s County Antrim Shield.
Despite reaching the Final of the Shield in nine of the last fifteen seasons, Linfield have only lifted the Trophy on 2 of those occasions (defeating Crusaders in 2014 and again in 2017) and most recently lost out 1-0 to Larne at Seaview in last season’s decider, thanks to a late headed goal by full back Tomas Cosgrove.
Our last win over Linfield in the Shield came in the final in 2010 when we lifted the trophy after a 3-2 win at the National Stadium, our goals coming from Grant Gardiner, Andy Waterworth and Matty Burrows. In the interim they have beaten us 2-1 in 2018 at the same venue and 3-2 in 2013 at the Oval.
David Healy’s side have had to overcome Premiership opposition from North Belfast in the previous rounds of the competition, defeating Crusaders 1-0 at Seaview in the opening round in early September before defeating Cliftonville 5-4 on penalties in last month’s Quarter Final at Solitude.
Healy has tested the depths of his squad in the previous rounds of this competition - including a start for promising goalkeeper David Walsh in place of regular number 1 Chris Johns - but may opt to pick a more familiar line-up for this occasion. Winger Kirk Millar returned as a substitute in Saturday’s win over Glenavon after missing the previous 0-0 draw with Cliftonville and could be in line to start this match. Forwards Ethan Devine and Eetu Vertainen and midfielder Kyle McClean will also be hoping for promotion from the bench and there could also be a rare start for former Glentoran right back Conor Pepper.
