Tipton on target

MATTHEW Tipton scored his first goal in a Linfield shirt as the Blues started their pre-season programme with a 4-2 win over Carrick Rangers at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.

Tipton grabbed the last goal in the game which proved a useful workout for David Jeffrey’s men as they prepare for their foray into Europe.

Linfield are at home to B36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands at Windsor Park on Tuesday, July 3 with a 7.45pm kick off with the return leg on July 10.

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A superb volley from Brian McCaul gave the home side the lead on 36 minutes but the Blues had to wait until the second half before finding the target again as Mark McAllister made it 2-0.

The game was far from over as Carrick pulled a goal back on 65 minutes and less than a minute later it was 2-2 and it was game on.

Linfield responded well and nudged ahead again on 72 minutes when Daryl Fordyce got on the end of a free kick by Nathan Hanley. It was left to sub Tipton to seal the match when he made it 4-2 in a packed goalmouth. The Blues are back in action on Saturday, again at Windsor Park, with Welsh side Bangor City the visitors.

“I knew Carrick would provide us with stern opposition,” said boss Jeffrey. “We played them towards the end of last season and only really got on top of them in the last 15 minutes. I also watched them against Portadown and after they were relegated at Distillery.

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“It was our first game and overall I was pleased. We passed well and scored four goals. It was nice for Matthew Tipton to score in his first outing.

“The break has been short, this is the earliest we have been back for some time and we have a huge game next week against B36 Torshavn. We have an opportunity to progress, but it will be tough.

“They play on a 3G surface and we will train at Cliftonville before we travel for the second leg. Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor was on the phone to me offering their facilities and it was a lovely gesture which helps us in our preparation.”