The grand return to Windsor Park after ten successive away games didn’t really go as hoped, with two defeats out of three and nine goals conceded.
An away game offered some relief, even if it was a ground where Top Six sides, Linfield included, had found a tricky place to visit.
It was hoped that a clear week with no midweek match would have cleared minds. There was a return to 4-2-3-1, with Andrew Clarke playing in behind Robbie McDaid.
McDaid almost gave Linfield a dream start, inside the first ten seconds when he picked up possession, made space for himself, but his well struck left foot effort was saved.
Linfield were having a lot of good pressure early on. Not surprising considering that the weather was in their favour.
Blustery wind was causing problems for Newry’s keeper, Whenever a cross came in, the ball was not going to where he anticipated that it would usually go on a normal Saturday.
Linfield had to take advantage of this.
They also had to try and get a two goal lead (at least) for the last ten minutes.
Defending a one goal lead with the win in Newry’s favour in the second-half would be a very uncomfortable watch, and Linfield fans have had too many uncomfortable watches recently.
Just past the quarter hour, Linfield took the lead when Robbie McDaid was played in and finished low.
As soon as he got the ball, you just knew there was going to be a goal. A welcome change in mood.
Despite the early lead, Linfield didn’t kick on.
It was Newry who had the best chance, when James Teelan was played through. It was a chance similar to the one that brought the corner for their goal in August (if you’re still following that)
Thankfully, his low shot was well held by Chris Johns rather than turned behind for a corner.
Daniel Hughes got in behind Linfield’s defence but his shot from a wide angle was easily save, while Andrew Clarke was denied a certain goal by a lat gasp block.
In truth, it hadn’t been a good first-half from Linfield.
The only positive, apart from McDaid’s goal, was that it had stayed dry. Yep, I was watching from the terracing at the side of the pitch.
Strangely, this first-half was very similar to the game in August between the sides.
After Linfield had a shot on goal in the opening minute of the first-half, Newry had one in the opening minute of the second, with Donal Rocks getting a sight of goal but firing well over.
The much hoped for improvement from Linfield didn’t come. The game was still in the balance.
Repeating what I said earlier, Linfield really needed a second goal. Defending a one goal lead in this weather could get very uncomfortable.
It looked like that much needed second goal was going to come when Joel Cooper got on the end of a cross, but his header from a few yards out hit the bar.
From the resulting goal kick, Linfield won back possession and Robbie McDaid set up Joel Cooper to finish inside the penalty area.
A lot deadlier from 14/15 yards than 2/3 yards.
Linfield had a much needed cushion, it was hard to see Newry coming back from this.
Especially when Ciaran O’Connor received a red card. Any chance Newry had of coming back into the game was gone.
By this point, the weather had changed from from dull, dark and grey skies to sunshine.
You could say it was a metaphor for Linfield’s mood.
With the clocks going back the following day, it would give Linfield fans one last chance to leave a match in daylight.
They were almost leaving having seen one more goal, with Matthew Clarke’s cross/shot having to be tipped over.
2-0 was enough, a much needed win ahead of a busy run of games in November.
The weather might have been different from Linfield’s last visit in August, but three points are always welcome no matter what time of year.
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