Linfield manager David Healy admitted his side had to battle hard to book their place in this season’s Tennent’s Irish Cup final.
An excellent 89th minute strike from midfielder Stephen Lowry was enough to earn the Blues a 1-0 semi-final win against Dungannon Swifts.
Lowry had earlier missed a penalty – Swifts keeper Andrew Coleman produced a great stop – and his manager praised the way he took his goal at Mourneview Park this afternoon.
“He composed himself… he showed a lot of character to tuck it in,” he said.
Healy acknowledged the game was a tight affair and there was little to choose between the two sides. Both defences were largely on top and there were few clearcut chances.
In a joint press conference with Dungannon Swifts boss Rodney McAree, he also said: “I am absolutely delighted to get through.”
He admitted Linfield did not play at their best but his players are now learning how to “get over the line” in key games.
Healy further revealed he congratulated McAree on his team’s performance. “They are a good side and they had a right go,” he said.
Both managers agreed that a Roy Carroll save from a deflected Peter McMahon effort on 79 minutes – when it was 0-0 – was a huge moment in the game along with Coleman’s penalty save.
The Linfield keeper somehow managed to claw the ball away as it looped over his head towards the net. “It was a fantastic save,” said Healy.
And McAree quipped: “Whenever he makes saves like that it proves there is life in the old dog yet.”
The Dungannon boss, meanwhile, was full of praise for his team.
“I am delighted with my players. I am proud of every single one of them. We pushed Linfield as hard as we could,” he said.
He was pleased with their solid showing in the first half and how they coped with Linfield pressure for 20 minutes after the break. He also felt they were growing in confidence when Linfield grabbed the winner.
