THE STIFLE Callacher ris superb win space a to ho

IT may have been scrappy and stuttering – but on such results, league titles are won.

Linfield’s display in North Belfast was largely “sloppy” – David Healy’s words, not ours – but the end result was all that mattered as darkness fell on North Belfast.

Jimmy Callacher’s towering header from a teasing Joel Cooper cross two minutes into added time condemned Crusaders to their first league home defeat in 409 days.

It also put clear blue water between the leaders, who are now odds on favourites to lift the Gibson Cup for a third consecutive year, and the chasing pack.

Larne, held by Warrenpoint Town at Inver Park, are now five points below the Blues, while the Crues are seven off the summit, having also played one game more.

A plenitude of positives for Healy, even if the Blues boss insisted it was ‘just another three points’.

“To come to Seaview with the record they have, it was pleasing to get the win,” he said.

“I did expect us to play a little bit better, be better in possession and create a bit more going forward.

“We were a bit sloppy in possession, but credit to the players for getting the result.

“We knew we’d have to fight hard here to get all three points.”

Niall Quinn’s opener – straight from a corner which bamboozled Crues keeper Jonny Tuffey – had the visitors ahead in the 71st minute.

“I can’t say I meant it,” said Quinn. “I put it in an area, the wind just took it and it caught Tuffey out.

“Overall it’s a big win at a tough place to come.”

Philip Lowry thought he’d salvaged a point when he squeezed home an 88th minute equaliser from a Paul Heatley corner.

But with time running out, Cooper raced past Billy Joe Burns and dug out a cross for Callacher to head home at the back post.

“Conceding the equaliser in the manner we did was poor but we responded,” said Healy.

“The players found a way to win the game and the winner was great play.

“It was a big goal, but just another three points. It doesn’t matter who you play, it doesn’t feel like anything more than another three points.” The Crues, unbeaten in 13 home league games prior to the weekend, were left wondering what they need to do to pick up points these days.

A week after losing at the death to

Coleraine, Stephen Baxter was reflecting on a similar feeling of injustice on the Shore Road. Linfield No1 Chris Johns was certainly the busier of the two keepers, denying Declan Caddell a first half opener, while Ross Larkin blocked Heatley’s follow-up effort off the line.

Johns also save and Chris Hegart while Lowry had blocked inside a c

“It’s our best per and the possessio we were well on t says 2-1 to Linfiel

“We kept them minutes and then the side and you Callacher to be ga

“Linfield will kitchen sink at it that is what wins

HEADING CLEAR Linfield match-winner Jimmy Callacher helped his side open gap at top and (right) thanks Joel Cooper for the part he played in creating his goal