Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rhys Annett showed what they’re made of: Linfield’s David Healy

Linfield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick celebrates scoring against Glentoran

Rhys Annett missed his penalty against Glentoran

It was a tale of two strikers. One hit the jackpot, the other missed from the penalty spot, but Linfield boss David Healy doffed his cap in the direction of both in the aftermath of Boxing Day’s Big Two derby win over rivals Glentoran at Windsor Park.

Goals from defender Ben Hall and striker Matthew Fitzpatrick helped the Blues not only maintain their push at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership table, but also protect their incredible record of never having lost at home to their cross-town enemy in the traditional festive showdown.

It was a game Healy’s men dominated, even though rookie frontman Rhys Annett was denied his fourth goal in five games when his first-half spot kick was superbly beaten away by Glentoran goalkeeper Aaron McCarey.

All was forgotten when Hall headed home a Kirk Millar free kick before the ground erupted just before the hour when Fitzpatrick gobbled up a pass from Kyle McClean, shifted the ball on to his right foot before drilling low and hard past McCarey — his fifth goal of the season.

“I was pleased for Fitzy, it was a big goal,” purred Healy. “There was a similar chance in the first half, he checked back instead of taking on the shot. I told him at half-time to trust himself when he gets into those positions.

“We signed Matthew Fitzpatrick based on him making those runs, getting into good positions and getting a shot off. Credit to him. When I spoke to him at half-time, he reacted... he responded in the proper manner, and he went and got a big goal for us.”

Rhys Annett missed his penalty against Glentoran

Healy insists Fitzpatrick’s work ethic is unquestionable.

He added: