Linfield welcome Cliftonville to Windsor Park for this CAS semi final tie which will be played to a conclusion on the night (7.45pm ko). The Reds will be making their second visit of the season having already taken three points in a Premiership win (4-2) in August. The winners of this tie will meet either Ballymena or Crusaders in the final on December 3. Linfield and Cliftonville have lifted the famous old trophy, which was first competed for in 1888, a total of 41 and 9 times respectively. Linfield take to the field in buoyant mood following Saturdays emphatic win at a rain sodden Ballymena Showgrounds (4-1). It was a game, which apart from a short spell after the break, was dominated by a Linfield side firing on all cylinders. It is no exaggeration to say that the Blues could have easily doubled the four goals they did score as a combination of the woodwork and the keeper in the Ballymena goal kept the score line respectable for the home team. Our visitors Cliftonville have endured a mixed start to the season and currently sit in fifth place in the Premiership table. After winning their first three league games, the Reds began to find that the magnificent form which had seen them lift last seasons Gibson Cup at a canter, start to desert them. Three home defeats has undermined some decent away results to leave the Reds in the unfamiliar role of chasing the top three teams. Manager Tommy Breslin has thankfully seen one constant carry over from last season in the goal scoring prowess of Joe Gormley who has already found the net 15 times in all competitions. Whilst Linfields record against Cliftonville has been at best patchy over the past twelve months, this current Blues side is certain to be filled with a confidence bred by an unbeaten run which now stretches to thirteen games. The Reds, unlike so many other teams who come to Windsor, will be looking to make a game rather than destroy it. But can they beach a Linfield side riding a wave of momentum that has transformed their season? Lets hope not. COYB! Ken Garrett.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 11:47:27 +0000
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