HEALY: KEY MOMENTS LET US DOWN BUT WE WILL IMPROVE

DAVID HEALY admitted there was some frustration as Linfield’s Champions League run came to an end at the first hurdle against Shelbourne on Wednesday night.

- BY STEVEN CRAWFORD

Chasing down a one-goal deficit Ben Hall and Matthew Fitzpatrick could have levelled things up inside the first quarter of an hour before Ali Coote doubled the visitors lead.

Chris Shields did bring the Blues level on the night from the penalty spot before the break before Callumn Morrison wasted another opening after the restart as the hosts started to build up a head of steam.

But Hall's dismissal just after the hour mark left them with a mountain to climb as the Shels dominated possession in the final quarter to secure a 2-1 aggregate win.