’WORTH THE WAIT

Andy wins it for Blues in extra-time

LINFIELD booked their place in the County Antrim Shield semi-finals after Andy Waterworth pounced for an extra-time winner in last night’s Big Two derby at Windsor Park.

Glentoran midfielder John Herron had volleyed home a 53rd minute equaliser (above) after Andy Mitchell fired the Blues into an early lead from the penalty spot.

But Waterworth, who missed a 66th minute penalty, propelled David Healy’s men into the last four when he fired home in the 97th minute.

Linfield got off to a flier when referee Andrew Davey awarded a penalty after Mitchell’s shot was handled by Glentoran winger Peter Mcmahon.

Only three minutes were on the clock when Mitchell stepped up to beat Glens goalkeeper Elliott Morris from the spot for his second goal of the season.

The Glens suffered a setback on 18 minutes when the experienced Morris had to be replaced by Dwayne Nelson after sustaining an injury following a collision.

The visitors had a penalty appeal waved away on the half-hour when Curtis Allen fell under a challenge from Matthew Clarke.

And they went close to an equaliser before the break when Herron’s shot was blocked by Michael O’connor.

The former Celtic midfielder went one better at the start of the second half when he levelled with a close range volley after Roy Carroll had parried James Ferrin’s header.

Linfield spurned a golden chance to retake the lead when Ferrin handled inside the area but from the resulting penalty Waterworth blasted over.

Waterworth and O’connor were both off target as the Blues chased a winner, before Glens sub Paul O’neill headed agonisingly wide at the end.

Linfield won it in the first period of extra-time when Waterworth forced the ball home after his initial header rattled the bar.

Marcus Kane forced a smart save from Carroll and Ross Redman also fired narrowly over as the Glens chased a late response.

EXTRA SPECIAL Andy Waterworth celebrates goal that took Blues to the semi-finals last night