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Gareth Fullerton

Linfield boss David Healy happy to fend off 'dark clouds' around Windsor

David Healy believes Tuesday's win over high-flying Larne has fended off any "dark clouds" threatening to circle Windsor Park - for now, anyway.

The Blues continued their resurgence with a gutsy 1-0 win over the Premiership leaders thanks to Michael Newberry's second-half header.

It has drawn the champions to within six points of Larne, and just one point behind second-place Cliftonville having played a game more.

Read more: Newberry the hero as Linfield earn massive win over Larne

Healy's men are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions, lifting some of the pressure surrounding the Windsor Park boss and his players following a poor start to the season.

"You boys know better than I do, dark clouds arrive at Windsor when you least expect them - and sometimes when you most expect them," Healy said after Tuesday's win.

"I feel as if now I have enough experience not to get too low. Of course I get disappointed and question my decisions.

"But we talked about needing to go on a run and we have done that. We are still miles behind at the minute in terms of having played a couple of games more than some of the other teams.

"We are still playing catch-up and some of the other teams at the minute are running away with it, so we are just trying to hang in there and chip away as much as we can."

Linfield overcame a slow start against Larne to earn a massive win at Windsor.

The winning goal arrived in the 77th minute, substitute Newberry getting on the end of a wicked Kirk Millar free-kick to head home.

"I think the first half was edgy for both teams. A bit scrappy. But I don't think either keeper had anything to do in the first half," Healy added.

"We weren't anywhere near the tempo we wanted to be, but I thought for large parts of the second half we put them under pressure without creating chances.

"But we were on the front foot and won a lot of second balls and got balls into the box, and eventually it told.

"Larne are a good side, a top side managed by a good manager in Tiernan (Lynch). They have had an unbelievable start to the season.

"I think we are three points behind the tally where we were at this stage last season, and we are still six points behind Larne. So it proves how good a start they have had.

"So I am pleased to get the three points. I am sure our fans were probably saying this was a must-win tonight. I don't think it was that at this stage of the season, but it brings us back within reach of the other teams."

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