Happy David Healy as Linfield move into Premiership top spot

Linfield boss David Healy and his players celebrate beating Cliftonville on Monday night. Pic by Pacemaker.

Linfield boss David Healy just couldn’t wipe the smile off his face last night following his team’s crucial 2-1 win over Cliftonville at Solitude.

The former Northern Ireland international admitted he endured his worst moment in football nine days ago when the Blues were dumped out of the Irish Cup by Championship side Queen’s University.

But it was business as usual for his team in north Belfast – the victory taking Healy’s defending league champions back to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership table.

The doom and gloom that hovered after that shock cup defeat – one of the worst results in the club’s history – had been well and truly erased.

Midfielder Andy Mitchell shot the Blues into a first-half lead only for Joe Gormley to level following a horrendous error by new boy Ethan Boyle.

But it was half-time substitute Mark Stafford who sent the visiting fans into raptures by prodding home the winner early in the second half.

“I asked for a response after our cup result and I got it,” purred Healy. “There is no doubting that will live with me for a long time.