Linfield weather the storm in Albania to set-up clash with Polish side
Vllaznia 1 Linfield 0 (Agg 2-3)
Linfield manager David Healy
Linfield weathered a storm in Albania to squeeze into the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.
It was a tense affair at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder but a dominant KF Vllaznia could only manage one goal and the Blues progress 3-2 on aggregate.
A goal from Albania international Bekim Balaj in the 54th minute threatened a comeback but it was David Healy’s men who took their prizemoney beyond the £300k mark and can look forward to a clash with Polish side Pogon Szczecin.
Vllaznia had their opportunities but could only beat keeper Chris Johns once and it was a night when the visitors needed to show more fight than flair.
It won’t quite wipe away the memories of last summer’s play-off nightmare but at least Linfield are back on the winning trail in Europe.
The Blues, who used a charter flight to reach Tirana, faced humid conditions but had the cushion of a 3-1 advantage from the first leg thanks to a Chris McKee double and Jack Scott finish at Windsor Park.
It was that impressive performance at home which ultimately proved decisive.
Linfield, wearing their all white away kit, faced a few anxious moments but David Healy, who has just passed his 400th game as manager, will feel his men were resilient in difficult conditions.
Without the suspended Daniel Finlayson who was sent off in the first leg, Michael Newberry was asked to step up.
The home side started brightly and forced a few corners but when they did spot a glimmer of a chance Johns got in the way.
On 17 minutes Lorik Boshnjaku’s set piece drifted just wide in an anxious moment for the Blues and Esin Hakaj’s low drive from distance failed to trouble Johns.
Konstantin Cheshmedjiev was
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