LINFIELD CLOSING IN ON TITLE AFTER WIN AS RIVALS DRAW

Blues take another huge step to retaining the Gibson Cup as Hatchetmen get axe at Windsor

LINFIELD are just two points away from winning a third successive Gibson Cup following a 3-1 win over Crusaders at Windsor Park.

Mark Stafford’s first goal in 16 months, Shayne Lavery’s 24th of the season and a late Joel Cooper effort edged David Healy’s men a step closer to title glory.

Last night’s win in South Belfast coupled with a 1-1 draw between nearest rivals Glentoran and Coleraine at The Oval helped extend the Blues’ lead at the summit.

Now eight points clear with three games to play, the reigning champions know a win against Larne in their next league outing on May 15 will seal the deal.

Linfield opened the scoring in the 15th minute after Crusaders keeper Jonny Tuffey palmed a stinging Lavery effort over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Kirk Millar’s delivery found the lurking Stafford who arrived on cue to rifle home at the back post.

Crusaders, who will wonder how they were on the end of a 3-1 scoreline, created plenty of chances but failed to capitalise, particularly in a frantic first half.

Declan Caddell, Jordan Owens and David Cushley all went close in boss Stephen Baxter’s 800th game at the helm of the Shore Road club.

Blues keeper Chris Johns denied Caddell an early opener with a smart save, before Owens blasted over from close range and Cushley headed a Ross Clarke cross over the bar.

A goal eventually came for the visitors less than two minutes into the second half when Ben Kennedy pounced for his seventh goal of the season.

Cushley’s low corner wasn’t dealt with and the ball eventually landed at the feet of the midfielder who scooped home from point blank range.

Linfield were back in front in the 58th minute when Lavery headed home from close range after Stafford planted a Niall Quinn corner back into the danger area.

And it was game over in the 84th minute when a combination of Cooper and Crues defender Jordan Forsythe forced the ball over the line from a Cameron Palmer cross.

The Blues are in the title box seat heading into the final strait.

YOU CAN GET THE STAFF Mark Stafford’s scores at Windsor as Linfield ran out 3-1 winners over Crusaders last night BLUE AWAY Celebrations follow Mark Stafford and Shane Lavery’s goals last night