Blayney in fitness battle for BATE game

LINFIELD goalkeeper Alan Blayney is a major doubt for the Champions’ League first leg clash with BATE on July 13 after lasting only 30 minutes of the first friendly of the season against Kilmarnock on Tuesday night at Windsor Park.

The Northern Ireland stopper was forced off after picking up a groin strain. “It’s a major problem for us and not what we wanted ahead of the massive challenge against BATE,” said manager David Jeffrey.

“However, Alan is one of the fittest players in the squad and he normally is a quick healer so we will have to wait and see, but it is a concern.”

Putting the Blayney injury aside, this was an excellent workout for the Blues against the Scottish Premier League side. Indeed, Linfield bossed the first half, their shape and passing was excellent and they created a number of excellent chances.

Michael Carvill was causing all sorts of problems and his hook shot clipped the top of the bar before the home side eventually made the pressure pay when Peter Thompson scored from close range on 24 minutes. Carvill set up the chance with a slick pass inside to Mark McAllister and his cross was clipped home by Thompson at the second attempt.

Carvill and David Armstrong both hit shots from distance that shaved the upright with Kilmarnock offering very little up front in the first 45 minutes.

It all changed dramatically in the second half with two goals in two minutes putting the Scottish League side in the driving seat. Garry Hay headed in the equaliser and two minutes later it was Ryan O’Leary who made it 2-1 from close range. Linfield pushed for an equaliser with Fordyce forcing Bell into a save and a Carvill effort landed on top of the net. It was the visitors who struck again when Gary Harkin added a third with a classy move and finish near the end.

“I am really pleased with our efforts. This was our first game and we started with some impressive football. Had we been 4-0 up at the break no-one could have argued. Conceding two goals in a matter of a few minutes gave them a massive lift but I was more than happy with the performance overall.”

Jeffrey also praised his new signings. “Both Darryl Fordyce and Aidan Watson seemed to settle in very quickly and for me Robbie Garrett was man of the match so I’m delighted he stayed with us.”