Linfield 3
Kilmarnock 2
Linfield advanced to the SuperCup NI Minor final after winning a five goal thriller against Scottish opponents Kilmarnock on Thursday morning.
After comfortably dispatching of all three opponents in the group stage, Linfield continued in the same vain by making a strong start at Anderson Park. Playmaker Jamie Hamilton was the first to stretch Killie goalkeeper Reidford with his dipping free kick which needed to be tipped over the bar. Soon after, a set piece gave Belfast Blues the lead. Hamilton’s corner landed at the feet of Jay Calderwood at the back post who fired the ball home.
The lead didn’t last for long. Two minutes later, Blair Imrie intercepted a loose ball from Calum Evans and stroked the ball into an empty net with goalkeeper Tijani-Braniff out of the goal. Both sides had chances to take a lead into the break. The Kilmarnock goalkeeper Reidford was on hand again to save from Micah Bailie, while at the other end, centre back Harry McMurray spurned a free header from a Kilmarnock corner.
The third goal came early in the second half and arrived in spectacular fashion. Jamie Hamilton collected the goal twenty five yards from goal and unleashed a terrific strike, leaving Reidford helpless. Kilmarnock responded by testing Tijani-Braniff on a couple of occasions. The ‘keeper had to be alert to save from Sonny Coughtrie and Caleb Smith.
The Belfast side possessed a real threat going forward with Oliver Prenter and Hunter Beattie impressing, and it was the latter who gave his side breathing space. A Hamilton free kick troubled the Kilmarnock defence, causing the goalkeeper to parry it out but straight to Beattie who tapped home from close range.
Linfield with the two goal advantage and dictating the majority of the play. Calderwood and centre back partner Harvey O’Donnell were largely responsible for keeping their goalkeeper relatively idle. The Linfield goalkeeper could do nothing about the Kilmarnock second. Another stunning strike; this time from striker Charlie Connor who pinged a left footed long range effort into the top left stanchion.
It would be too little too late however for the Scottish side as Linfield advanced to the SuperCupNI Minor section final against Belfast rivals Crusaders.
By Harvey Latimer