Wonderful Waterworth nets another hat-trick for Blues

Wonderful Waterworth nets another hat-trick for Blues

10 May 2017

CROSSGAR’S Andrew Waterworth is on cloud nine after helping Linfield complete a memorable treble.

The 31 year-old scored his second hat-trick in a week when David Healy’s all-conquering Blues added the Irish Cup with a 3-0 victory at Windsor Park.

Saturday’s cup final win added to the Irish League title and the Co Antrim Shield won earlier in the season.

He’s the first player to net a hat-trick in an Irish Cup final for 38 years and the treble brought his tally for the season to 30 goals.

The striker’s near-post finish from Paul Smyth’s low delivery put Linfield into a 29th-minute lead.

He was perfectly placed four minutes later to snap up a rebound from eight yards after Coleraine ‘keeper Chris Johns had initially saved from Aaron Burns.

Smyth set up Waterworth again to complete the victory near the end.

The Irish Cup success was an extra special finish to the season for Waterworth and Killyleagh’s Healy, who’s in his first full season as Linfield manager.

A week earlier Waterworth scored a hat-trick when Linfield beat Cliftonville to clinch the Irish League title at Solitude.

“It’s been a long five years for Linfield, but I’m delighted for everyone associated with the club,” Waterworth said afterwards. Hopefully we can kick on from here.”

“I feel on top of the world. Three trophies in one season — I’ve dreamt of this for a long time.”