Linfield's late surge secured a 2-1 victory over Larne on Tuesday to maintain their unbeaten run and keep the pressure on the Premiership leaders. The win at Inver Park, sealed by an 82nd-minute strike from McGee, moves David Healy's side to 26 points from 11 games, five behind Coleraine. This result confirms their league standing of second in the Premiership, with a record of eight wins, two draws and a loss. Their recent form over the last five games is four wins and a draw, making them unbeaten in that sequence.
Millar gave the hosts an early lead in the 21st minute, but Linfield's response after the break was decisive. Brennan levelled the score six minutes into the second half, setting the stage for McGee's late winner. The comeback extends Linfield's unbeaten sequence to five matches, a run that includes four wins and a draw. Prior to that, the team secured a 2-0 win over Bangor on Saturday 10 October, a 3-1 victory at Coleraine FC on 25 September, and a 1-0 home win against Crusaders FC on 19 September.
Key Moments
The match turned on a flurry of second-half activity and substitutions. Linfield made a key change just after the hour, introducing Fitzpatrick, and their persistence paid off with McGee's decisive contribution. The game was a physical affair, with eight yellow cards shown in total. Linfield's Baird was booked in first-half stoppage time, while McGee himself saw yellow in the 60th minute alongside Larne's O'Neill and Bent.
This result solidifies Linfield's position in second place. They now look ahead to a Friday night trip to face Portadown, who sit 11th in the table. The next fixture is away to Portadown on Friday 23 October. The last meeting between the sides in September ended in a 1-1 draw at Portadown on 15 September. With 16 goals scored and only 8 conceded this season, Linfield has a goal difference of plus eight. The team's top scorer this season is Álex Gorrín, who has yet to find the net in his seven appearances.
With the title race heating up and the gap to leaders Coleraine FC remaining at five points, every point is vital. This hard-fought away win demonstrates the character in the Linfield squad as they prepare for their next challenge at Shamrock Park.
