STRIKER WORTH WEIGHT IN GOLD

Andy silences his critics with a superb hat-trick as Blues go top

LINFIELD hat-trick hero Andy Waterworth is relishing the prospect of silencing his critics for a sixth straight season at Windsor Park.

Written off at various stages of his career, the 32-year-old striker took his campaign tally to 17 goals with a clinical treble against Cliftonville.

His third goal on Saturday was his 100th in the league for the Blues where he now boasts a prolific record of 141 goals in 241 games in all competitions.

Accepting his style of play “isn’t everyone’s cup of tea”, Waterworth – who has been on target eight times in his last five games – smiled: “Every other day I’m written off.

“Every bad performance, I’m written off, but it’s part and parcel of the game. As a striker, you’re going to have good days and bad days.

“I know I’m going to get criticism and the way I play isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I know my strengths and I’m mentally strong.

“I’m getting older and I have to look after myself, but I feel good and I still have a strong desire to play and score goals.

“I’ll not lie, I do read the criticism and people are entitled to their opinion. Sometimes I deserve criticism when I’m off the boil, but I feel really good.”

Jimmy Callacher headed the Blues into an early lead and Waterworth pounced to make it 2-0, before

Joe Gormley gave Cliftonville a lifeline before the break.

A stunning Waterworth header into the top corner made it 3-1 on 59 minutes, before Jamie Harney, inset, responded again for the visitors two minutes later.

Waterworth put the game to bed with a predator’s finish, rounding off a superb move that included an exquisite Jamie Mulgrew pass in the build-up.

Victory eased David

Healy’s men back to the top of the table, a point above Ballymena United and two clear of Glenavon, who have a game in hand.

“We were bang on it,” said Waterworth, who insists Linfield aren’t getting carried away with their league position four weeks before Christmas. “We’ll enjoy being back on top of the table, but it’s a very long season and there’s nothing handed out in November,” he added. “The league is very competitive this season and there are a lot of good teams, so I do believe it’ll go down to the wire again.”

Waterworth dedicated his three goals to goalkeeping coach Johnny Williamson and strength and conditioning coach Ricky Mccann who suffered family bereavements last week.

Cliftonville boss Barry Gray, reflecting on a third defeat in seven days in all competitions, said: “It’s been a tough week for us and it’s a sloppy scoreline for us.

“In patches, we can take some positives but we have conceded four goals and I’m really concerned by our level of work.

“We’re hugely disappointed.”