By:
Graeme Hanna
David Healy stated that he was proud of his Linfield players, but lamented the “small margins and fine details” that cost his side dearly in the Champions League qualification contest with Shelbourne.
A 1-1 draw saw his team lose 2-1 on aggregate.
Over the two legs, the better team won. Shels deserved to proceed, but you don’t always get what you deserve in football, as acknowledged by Joey O’Brien. He was very satisfied with the outcome at Windsor Park, but the game could have unfolded differently, had Mathew Fitzpatrick taken full advantage of a gilt-edged chance presented to him midway through the first half. That was one of David Healy’s reference points.
“Fine margins, small details, small margins. We didn’t capitalise on probably the key moments in the game. Taking the lead here tonight would have created a lot more energy. We had the opportunity to do that in both halves, said the Blues boss.
“There is disappointment, of course. Our level of performance needed to improve and it did, but key moments went against us.
“He continued, “Golden opportunities came and went, we had Shels where we wanted them and if there is any frustration, it is not capitalising on opportunities.”
The critical moment in the game was the red card for Ben Hall, which effectively killed the contest, but Linfield persevered until the end, in search of another goal to take the game into extra time.
In truth, they never truly threatened Shels in the late stages, while the away side were wasteful in attack, squandering several decent chances to put the game beyond all doubt.
David Healy proud of his team, fine margins, and the what if moments tonight with the chances that were spurned.
Won't use match fitness as any excuse.
Frustrated with the goal, didn't get out quick enough for second phase. pic.twitter.com/dLHVNc097G
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) July 16, 2025
Blues bow out as Shels look to Baku
While David Healy was left to rue what might have been, his Shelbourne counterpart Joey O’Brien was brimming post-match after they got the job done.
There will be immense satisfaction at Tolka Park in their progression to the next round of Champions League qualification, which will effectively guarantee a Europa Conference League play-off tie at worst. Success and prestige on the pitch, supplemented by securing vital funds with around €1.7 million banked.
Joey O’Brien told the post-match press conference, “I felt we were the better team over two legs, but you don’t always get what you deserve.
“We were flat at half time after the VAR call. Possession is massive and I felt we lost our way a little bit.
“I don’t think they cut us open much. It was a mature performance. These are the nights you remember and I said to the lads, don’t have regrets.”
The Shels boss added that he has told his players that group stage football has to be the aim, they need to want more. Qarabag of Azerbaijan will be a very tough nut to crack in the second round of the Champions League, but this European journey has plenty of twists and turns to unfold.
Joey O'Brien felt his team deserved it over two legs, but you dont always get what you deserve.
Possession massive in Euro football, felt they lost their way late in 1st half.
Changed it second half, and felt Linfield's chances came from their errors. https://t.co/YkV6AyXN0J pic.twitter.com/AuEmh5aLng— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) July 16, 2025
Image credit: Graeme Hanna/PunditArena
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