Match Details
Competition :
Europa Conference League
Venue :
Stadium Loro Borici, Shkodër
Referee :
Rauf Jabarov (AZE)
KF Vllaznia Scorer :
Bekim Balaj (54 mins)
Linfield Yellow Cards :
Matthew Fitzpatrick, Chris Johns, Matthew Clarke, Jamie Mulgrew and Jack Scott
KF Vllaznia Yellow Card :
Cheshmedjiev
Teams
Linfield Team :
Chris Johns, Michael Newberry, Chris Shields, Jack Scott, Kirk Millar, Kyle McClean, Joel Cooper (Andrew Clarke 80), Ben Hall, Matthew Clarke, Chris McKee (Jamie Mulgrew 66) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (Ethan Devine 80)
Linfield Subs not used :
David Walsh, Matthew Williamson, Aodhan Doherty, Rhys Annett, Ryan McKay, Haygarth, Robertson and McStravick
KF Vllaznia Team :
Qarri, Smajli, Juric, Gruda (Dodev), Balaj, Coba (Delaj), Boshnjaku (Hajdari), Mala, Hakaj, Cheshmedjiev (Allvida), Stojanovic
KF Vllaznia Subs not used :
Jukaj, Mehidri, Pusi, Dulaj, Spahija, Dragoshi, Sala
Report
Linfield lost 1-0 on a hot and sticky night in Albania but progressed to a second round tie against Pogon Szczecin of Poland on a 3-2 aggregate.
David Healy made the one enforced change to the squad on duty last week, with Michael Newberry starting in place of the suspended Daniel Finlayson.
Linfield wore their change white Macron away kit for the first time in front of the attendance of 6000, including the 30 travelling supporters who made their way some distance across the continent to cheer on their team.
KF Vllaznia were on the front foot through most of the first half and came close to opening the scoring on several occasions.
Mehdi Coba missed a great chance to score when well placed, one on one with Chris Johns in a wide right position inside the box.
The hosts had the ball in the net soon after but the linesman’s flag ruled the strike out, due to a hand ball infringement.
Chris Johns then came to Linfield’s rescue on two occasions in quick succession - denying both Ildi Gruda and Esat Mala with fine saves low to his left.
Joel Cooper had a great strike for Linfield which went just inches over the bar but the half which included a water break at the midway point, ended scoreless.
Half time - KF Vllaznia 0 Linfield 0
The second half continued in the same fashion as the first, with Vllaznia probing and searching for the vital breakthrough goal.
The goal duly arrived after 54 minutes when a right wing free kick was headed into the far corner of the net by number 9, Bekim Balaj. It was a fine header across Chris Johns, giving the Linfield keeper no chance, as the ball found the top corner of the net.
The goal gave the hosts a boost and belief that they could get the second goal that could take the game to extra time.
David Healy introduced legendary and experienced club captain Jamie Mulgrew after 66 minutes, to tighten things up at the back end of the pitch.
While Vllaznia enjoyed a lot of possession for the remainder of the game, they weren’t able to create the clear decisive opportunity they needed but it was a nervy end to the game for the Linfield players, bench and the Bluemen and women watching the live stream at home.
It was a gutsy, backs to the wall, rearguard action from a defiant Linfield back line and there were certainly heroic performances from every player who donned the Linfield shirt on a night when the mission of holding onto the first leg advantage was successfully and gratefully accomplished.
Relief at the final whistle and progress to the second round.
Full time - KF Vllaznia 1 Linfield 0
Match Images
