Linfield 'were always doing enough to win' - Healy

Linfield manager David Healy says his side "were always doing enough to win" during their 1-0 victory against Crusaders at Seaview.

The Blues scored the only goal of the game after just eight minutes when Matthew Fitzpatrick fired past Musa Dibaga at the near post for his 10th league goal of the campaign.

The visitors dominated and had multiple chances to extend their lead, with their best opportunity just before half-time when Crusaders stopper Dibaga denied Alex Gorrin's penalty.

"Coming in at half-time we were disappointed to not have extended our lead," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"There was a little bit of a frustration and an understanding that Crusaders would come out and they changed the shape a little bit.

"They were always going to have a little spell, but it wasn't much. Credit to our players today, I thought some of the play was good."

The result means the Blues move to within three points of third-placed Glentoran in the Irish Premiership standings.

It also just the third win on the road this season for David Healy's side in the league, with both other victories having come at Clandeboye Park.

"That is the only downside of today, not winning the game more decisively," Healy continued.

"I speak to Declan Caddell quite a lot and he has his own challenges with the youthful nature of the squad and some of his more experienced players not being available to him.

"Credit to Crusaders, they had a go in the second half, but I thought we were always doing enough to win the game."