Silverware is, of course, no guarantee of universal popularity among the Linfield faithful and even after pledging his future to the club Healy was still under pressure from some sections of the support.

League defeats to then champions Larne, fierce rivals Glentoran and Cliftonville, as well as a County Antrim Shield exit to Crusaders, across the space of eight autumn weeks caused plenty of consternation at Windsor Park.

When Linfield fell behind to struggling Carrick Rangers to Taylors Avenue, matters threatened to come to a head.

The visiting support were in an increasing state of unrest as Joe Crowe’s goal looked set to cause an upset but Kyle McClean, Joel Cooper and Chris Shields all found the net in the final 13 minutes to secure a 3-1 win.

The victory moved Linfield five points clear at the top and they have not looked back, winning 14 of their subsequent 18 league games.