Kitt Nelson's first goal for Linfield secured a narrow 1-0 Belfast derby win over Crusaders, a result that moves the Blues level at the top of the Premiership. David Healy's side had to play the final 20 minutes with ten men after a red card but held on for a vital three points at Windsor Park.
Nelson, a loanee from Preston North End, needed just 68 seconds of the second half to break the deadlock. Ethan McGee's cross from the right was met by the English midfielder, who fired home from close range. "I just followed in and was on hand to fire home from close range," Nelson said. The goal was a highlight in a match where the home side's overall stats showed their efficiency in front of goal.
The victory was Linfield's 13th in a row against their city rivals and their sixth league win in seven games. This strong run of form has propelled them to second in the standings with 22 points from nine matches, a position reinforced by last week's 3-1 win away to Coleraine. The result keeps them level on points with league leaders Larne, who have a game in hand.
Discipline and defence
Linfield's task was complicated when substitute Kirk Millar was shown a straight red card by referee Tim Marshall for a challenge on Kurtis Forsythe. The Blues then had to defend their lead a man light for the closing stages. Crusaders goalkeeper Shea Callister had kept his side in the game earlier with two key saves, first denying Nelson and later tipping a Kyle McClean strike over the bar.
Manager David Healy acknowledged the gritty nature of the performance. "We did enough to scrape past them and get the three points," he told reporters. He praised his team's defensive resilience, which was key after the dismissal. The win keeps the pressure on at the summit as Linfield prepare to host Bangor in their next league fixtures on 10 October. Bangor currently occupy 11th place in the table. Healy will now assess his squad ahead of that match, with Kirk Millar suspended.
Background and full detail: sports.yahoo.com
