HEALYWEIGHT BOXING

David admits festive derby is a burden that is only lifted by victory

Glentoran v Linfield The Oval, 3pm

LINFIELD boss David Healy freely admits a Boxing Day defeat to Glentoran would deliver a knockout blow to his festive cheer.

The Blues are the Christmas No1 and lie two points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the Premiership heading to The Oval.

But history tells Healy today’s traditional holiday shootout will make or break his Yuletide mood.

“Do I enjoy the Boxing Day derby? Absolutely not,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I have a lovely wife and kids and we will enjoy our Christmas together.

“But after we eat on Christmas Day, your whole concern turns to Boxing Day and what the result will be come 5pm.

“Are you going to be on the right end of the result or in a back room on your own, beating yourself up? If you win you can enjoy your Christmas and relax.”

Since his appointment four years ago, Healy has endured a mixed bag of Boxing Day duels, winning at The Oval in 2015 and at Windsor Park last season.

The spoils were shared at Windsor in 2016, while two Curtis Allen goals propelled the Glens to a 2-1 win in East Belfast two years ago.

Healy said: “I remember David Jeffrey talking about the importance of the Boxing Day derby when he was manager and in your mind you’re always thinking ‘what happens if we lose?’.

“You have a fear of losing any game as Linfield manager, but you don’t want to be losing a Big Two derby on Boxing Day.”

With the Glens flying high again, this year’s derby has a more competitive feel than recent seasons when the Ovalmen were in the doldrums on and off the pitch.

Mick Mcdermott’s men are unbeaten in their last 10 league outings and lie fifth in the table, just five points off the summit.

“Fair play to Glentoran on their season so far, but I don’t think form really matters on derby day,” said Healy.

“Two years ago we were told we were facing the worst Glentoran team in history – not my opinion, that’s what the stats were saying.

“But that Glentoran team turned us over in a Europa League play-off and also beat us on Boxing Day. There’ll be a big crowd and I fully expect a ferocious, red hot atmosphere but my players should be well used to that and embrace it.”

Elsewhere today, the bottom two in the table go head-to-head when Institute welcome Warrenpoint Town to the Brandywell.

Gary Hamilton’s Glenavon host third bottom Dungannon at Mourneview Park, while Larne face East Antrim rivals Carrick Rangers at Inver

Park.