MEAN & CLEAN

Healy hails his defence as Blues close in on title crown thanks to 16 shut-outs

DAVID Healy has singled out Linfield’s superb defensive record as a key driver behind the Windsor Park club’s title charge this season.

Saturday’s 1-0 win over nearest rivals Ballymena United was the Blues’ 21st clean sheet in 39 domestic games in all competitions.

Remarkably, 16 of those blanks have come in the league where Linfield have conceded only 19 times in 29 games – a miserly rate of a goal every 137 minutes.

They are currently on course to emulate or better Healy’s first title triumph in 2017 when they shipped just 24 goals and kept 17 clean sheets across the 38-game league campaign.

That stat remains a record for the Danske Bank Premiership dating back to the 12-team format’s inception in 2008.

“I’m immensely proud of the players that they have kept 21 clean sheets across all competitions so far,” said Healy.

“I actually knew Saturday’s win over Ballymena was our 21st clean sheet because the defenders and goalkeepers have been keeping an eye on the numbers.

“It’s an incredible statistic and an absolute credit to them, particularly when you consider they are playing in a part-time, part-professional league.

“We conceded soft goals last season and it’s something we have worked really hard at since pre-season so the players are well drilled and so far we’re reaping the rewards.”

Ahead of tonight’s trip to struggling Newry City, he said: “The table says we’re nine clear, but we’re actually looking at it as a six point gap because Ballymena have a game in hand.

“Is it a one, two or three horse race for the title? I honestly don’t care as long as we beat Newry on Tuesday night because that’s where our focus lies now.”

While Linfield are huge 1/9 odds on favourites to lift the Gibson Cup in April, in contrast Newry are scrapping for their top flight survival at the foot of the table.

Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Ards saw Darren Mullen’s men tumble to the bottom on goal difference, although they do boast a game in hand.

“It’s another big game for us against a club fighting for their lives,” said Healy.

Linfield are without key defender Jimmy Callacher, who is ruled out through suspension, and winger Joel Cooper who is still recovering from illness.