Thompson has dedicated this Irish Cup triumph to the late David Crawford
Blues ace dedicates triumph to late chairman
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Linfield hero Peter Thompson has dedicated this Irish Cup triumph to the
late David Crawford who died last year.
Thompson's grandfather also died during the season and while the celebrations were in full swing, the man who scored both of Linfield's goals remembered those who couldn't be there to witness the Blues clinch a remarkable treble double.
The Northern Ireland international said: "Coleraine were well on top in the opening half and were probably disappointed to be just one goal ahead but a few bits of magic from Glenn (Ferguson) made the difference and I was able to convert the chances.
"Luckily enough the shots went in and I'd just like to dedicate this victory to the late David Crawford, our chairman who passed away last year. He was a huge Blueman and my grandfather also passed away during the season, he was a big fan of myself and this is also for him.
"The boys who couldn't be here like Jim Ervin and Steven Douglas also deserve special mention. We are a squad and we win and lose together."
Linfield boss David Jeffrey said he was proud to be the manager of a squad made up of a "special group of people".
He said: "My players don't know when they are beaten € they are a fantastic bunch of lads but it's not just about attitude, it's about ability and quality and in Peter Thompson we have got both.
"Peter and Glenn were great together. Glenn defied his age while Peter is the perfect foil for him. But I've also got to pay tribute to Jim Ervin, Steven Douglas, Tim McCann, Tim Mouncey, Chris McKendry and Billy Joe Burns. It's about a special group of people that I have.
"I have a fantastic mother and father and two boys, Gareth and Thomas, and this is a tremendous day."
At half-time Coleraine were 1-0 ahead after a Paddy McLaughlin strike but two goals from Peter Thompson in a devastating three-minute spell from the domestic game's top marksman changed everything.
The 24-year-old celebrated his birthday yesterday but you got the feeling the real party was about to get under way.
His 43rd and 44th goals of a memorable campaign made the difference on Irish Cup Final day € just as his brace buried Glentoran in the 2006 decider.
Goalkeeper Alan Mannus said: "Coleraine played well in the first half but in the second half we did much better.
"Before the game we said it was not about winning a double treble and we did approach it the right way. It's all about the squad we have the players who want to do well for the club."
The Bannsiders were often on the back foot but in the 19th minute they stunned the champions by storming in front. Mannus once again produced a superb block to keep out Marty Hunter's powerful header after a corner from Stephen Carson but the danger wasn't over and seconds later Paddy McLaughlin drilled in a low shot just inside Mannus' left hand post.
The cup holders were in desperate need of a pick up after the interval and the equaliser arrived in the 49th minute. Peter Thompson showed all his international class to direct a low shot beyond goalkeeper Davy O'Hare.
Coleraine barely had time to take a breath before Thommo struck again, this time sliding another low shot home after a clever pass from Glenn Ferguson.
Coleraine boss Marty Quinn was gutted at the finish but he paid tribute to Peter Thompson who conjured up the magic.
"The two shots from Peter ended up in the onion bag and Davy O'Hare didn't have much to do other than that," he said.
"He's clinical and if you give him a chance he will hurt you. We played so well but the half-time whistle was our problem.
"We were flying before half-time but by the time we started the second half we were 2-1 down.
"We showed character but I'm so disappointed because it wasn't to be."
