CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

Solidity has given Blues’ title hopes a Chris of life

CHRIS CASEMENT believes defensive solidity is helping fuel Linfield’s title charge at the top of the Premiership. David Healy’s men have shipped just 15 goals in 23 league games and kept six clean sheets in their last seven outings.

And Casement suspects a consistent back four, seasoned keeper Roy Carroll (inset) and an ability to defend as a team have all contributed to their impressive recent record.

“I think it’s a bit of everything,” he said.

“David has always wanted us to be solid at the back, organised when we don’t have the ball and hard to break down.

“That’s been drilled into us in training – not only where the back four needs to be, but also the midfield and strikers – and it’s paid off.

“If you’re not conceding goals, confidence grows, you build up relationships and it gives you a real platform to go on and win games.

“If you keep clean sheets it gives the likes of Joel (Cooper), Kirk (Millar), Andy (Waterworth) and other attacking players a chance to nick a goal.”

Since losing 2-1 to Ballymena at the Showgrounds on December 1, Linfield have bounced back with eight wins and a draw in their last nine outings in all competitions.

The recent vibrant run of form included a midweek 2-1 win at Ballymena in the semi-finals of the County Antrim Shield.

But while the Blues currently sit at the top of the league table, United and defending champions Crusaders are on their coattails.

Casement, who has won four leagues, four Irish Cups and a Shield during his two spells at Windsor Park, said: “It’s the old cliche, but nothing is handed out in January.

“It’s a long, hard season and I’d be very surprised if things don’t chop and change and the race goes down to the last couple of games or final game of the campaign.

“It’s very competitive and the likes of Ballymena and Crusaders are right up there.

“All we can do is take care of our business and focus on the next game. “The defeat at Ballymena in December was tough to take, but we didn’t panic and there was no ranting and raving.

“We knew it was important we bounced back, which we did.”

Next up for Linfield is today’s home clash with Warrenpoint Town, who held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw the last time they visited Windsor Park, back in November.

Stephen Mcdonnell’s men have lost just one of their last five away league games, with their previous league trip delivering a 3-1 win at Glenavon.

“They’ve been on a great run and we know the threats they have,” said Casement.

“They have quick strikers and a good system, so we’re preparing for a very tough test.”