Ruthless Linfield beat Glentoran in 'Big Two' derby

Jana McCabe - BBC Sport NI journalist Sat, August 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM UTC

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Irish Premiership

Linfield 2 - 1 Glentoran FT

Linfield bounced back from their opening weekend disappointment and were the 2-1 victors over Glentoran at Windsor Park to secure the bragging rights in the 'Big Two' derby.

Darragh Leahy nodded home a corner to give the Blues an early lead before Kirk Millar doubled their advantage on 78 minutes.

Jordan Stewart pulled a goal back for the Glens in the final minutes of the match before being sent off seconds later.

The three points and positive performance were much needed for David Healy's side after their 3-0 loss at home to Ballymena United in a tough opening result.

Blues claim 'Big Two' bragging rights

It was a bright start to the match with Linfield's Kieran Offord shooting just off target before, at the other end, Jack Malone had a good chance.

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The away side believed they should have been awarded an early penalty when Chris Johns and Jordan Jenkins collided in the box when trying to connect with a poor back pass from Leahy, but their appeals were quickly waved away.

Linfield broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Leahy held off both Ross Clarke and James Singleton to nod home Adam Frizzell's corner from the back post.

As the half progressed, chances grew few and far between with Johns called into action only in the final seconds to gather Malone's effort from range.

Opportunities remained at a premium after the restart with Billy Crellin forced to make a good save to thwart Millar's shot as the Blues pushed for a more comfortable lead.

The home side would extend their advantage after Offord was denied by Crellin before Millar latched onto the rebound and his effort found the back of the net after it struck the underside of the crossbar.

It was a tense final 10 minutes of the match with Glentoran able to set up an exciting end when Aaron McEneff's free-kick was headed into the path of Stewart to fire home

However, Stewart's celebrations were cut short when he was given his marching orders for elbowing Leahy in the final seconds of a cagey but entertaining 'Big Two' derby.

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