LINFIELD KING JEFFREY HAILS HIS PLAYERS AFTER STUNNING WIN IN GREECE

'Big Davy' Jeffrey hails his players win in Greece but he knows the job is only half done

‘Big Davy’ Jeffrey hails his players win in Greece but he knows the job is only half done

DAVID Jeffrey saluted his Linfield players after their shock 1-0 away win in Greece.

Now his team could face in the third Round of Europa League draw either KR Rejkyavík of Iceland or Standard de Liège of Belgium.

The draw was made on Friday morning.

Few gave the Blues a chance of a win to Greek side FC Xanthi in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie.

But David Jeffrey described his team’s performance as “outstanding” as Aaron Burns hit a first-half winner (see match report below).

“They have created another piece of history,” added Jeffrey.

“Uefa have their (the Greek) league ranked 10th or 12th while we’re 47th so there is a gulf in class.”

But the job is only half done.

His his team will now look to hold the edge heading into next Thursday’s second leg at Windsor Park.

And the manager knows the game is “not over by a long chalk”.

“We’re not getting carried away because they are a big step up in class.

“They are a totally full-time team with a budget massively, massively bigger than ours.

“But we put in a performance of grit and determination and dare I say on some occasions, some great football.

“It’s not as if we sat deep and invited them on to us.

“We did get men back behind the ball but we pressed the ball and anticipated their passes and covered their runs.

“There was also a quite fantastic shot from Michael Carvill which their goalkeeper had to make a tremendous save to stop.

“It wasn’t like one lucky break although certainly they dominated possession for long periods.”

MATCH REPORT

LINFIELD have kept Irish club hopes alive in Europa with a fantastic away win in the sweltering Greek heat.

It had been a concern for manager for manager David Jeffrey before the second round first leg qualifier game.

But his players did the club proud against Skoda Xanthi who are seventh in their league.

The Blues take an away goal advantage back to Windsor Park next Thursday, July 25 thanks to Aaron Burns goal on 25 mins.

It was one of Linfield’s finest European performances in Greece tonight to upset the odds.

Burns’ strike gives the Blues a real chance of progression in the Europa League.

Manager David Jeffrey sprung a surprise in his team selection by giving former Glentoran defender Sean Ward his Linfield debut.

Jamie Mulgrew dropped to the bench in a tactical move.

After a cagey opening period the first chance fell to the home side on 20 minutes.

Marin took a free kick on the left and found Vallas at the back post but the Xanthi skipper headed straight at Tuffey from 10 yards.

Linfield took a shock lead after 25 minutes in their first attack of the night. Michael Carvill had a great run down the left and found Aaron Burns outside the box.

Burns forced his way into the penalty area and produced a great left foot effort past Gimenez from 15 yards.

What a start for the Blues and it left the home crowd stunned.

The home side almost replied instantly after 28 minutes. Sean Ward fouled Die Serge on the edge of the area and the same played stepped up to curl a superb left foot shot inches over the bar with Tuffey beaten.

Linfield continued to threaten on the break and James Knowles had a shot deflected wide on the half hour mark. The Blues containment tactics were frustrating the home side and they held onto their precious one goal lead at the interval.

Half Time: Skoda Xanthi 0 – 1 Linfield

Linfield almost added a second on 55 minutes. James Knowles took a corner on the right and Aaron Burns almost had a free header on goal but just failed to connect with the ball under pressure from the home defence. Xanthi began to exert considerable pressure on the Linfield defence and Nicolas Marin had an excellent low left foot effort on 61 minutes which Tuffey did well to push round the post.

The home side had claims for a penalty on 69 minutes but Brazilian Marchelo Leite was booked for diving. Xanthi substitute Triadis curled in a fine right foot free kick after 76 minutes but Jonny Tuffey did well to palm the ball over the bar. One minute later Michael Carvill almost snatched a sensational second goal but Giminez reacted well to tip his 25 yard effort over the bar.

Xanthi were enjoying plenty of possession but rarely threatened the Linfield goal thanks to some excellent work from the defensive unit, led by inspirational captain Michael Gault. The Blues defence held firm during the four added minutes of added time to record their third ever away win in Europe.

It’s all to play for in the second leg in Belfast but ‘Big Davey’ will be proud of his team’s battlling performance.

Linfieldfc.com Man of the Match: Michael Gault

Linfield Team :

Tuffey, Ervin, Gault, BJ Burns, Clarke, Lowry, Knowles (Mulgrew 65), Ward, A.Burns (McCaul 79), Carvill, Thompson (McAllister 70)

 

 

 

 

 

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