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European play-off final 'step too far' for Swifts
TL;DR
Dungannon Swifts lost 3-1 to Linfield in the European play-off final, with coach Rodney McAree stating it was a 'step too far' for his team. The Swifts faced a grueling schedule, playing three matches in just over a week.
Key points
- Dungannon Swifts lost 3-1 to Linfield
- Matthew Fitzpatrick scored a hat-trick
- Rodney McAree criticized the match schedule
- Swifts played three matches in over a week
- Linfield hadn't played in 17 days before the final
Dungannon SwiftsLinfieldMatthew Fitzpatrick
Dungannon Swifts boss Rodney McAree said the European play-off final proved to be "a step too far" for his side as they were beaten 3-1 by Linfield at Windsor Park.
Matthew Fitzpatrick's hat-trick helped the Blues ease into the first round of the Uefa Conference League, with McAree admitting three games in the space of just over a week caught up with side.
After their Irish Cup final defeat against Coleraine, the Swifts had four days to prepare for their quarter-final win over Carrick Rangers and they then beat Cliftonville in the semi-final at Solitude three days after that before Tuesday's final.
Linfield, by virtue of winning the BetMcLean Cup in March, went straight through to the final and hadn't played in 17 days prior to the decider, with McAree critical of the schedule.
"A step too far to be honest. Linfield were deserved winners first and foremost. They are a good team and they put us under pressure from the start," he told BBC Sport NI.
"I thought we looked leggy in the first half especially. We started the second half quite well, but the second goal kills us.
"I think the schedule needs looked at. I'm not one for looking for excuses, but I might make a little one here in terms of the league can take it out of the hands of the clubs in terms of when the final can be played.
"It shouldn't be a vote the league should look at it and make it favourable for all clubs involved and we can get a little bit more rest which maybe helps us."
'It's getting harder to compete with full-time teams'
The play-off final defeat was a disappointing end to an inconsistent season for the Swifts, who finished sixth in the Irish Premiership table.
They bounced back well from their 3-2 Irish Cup final defeat against Coleraine to see off Carrick and Cliftonville, but fell short again against they missed out on a second successive season in Europe.
"We were a wounded animal against Carrick Rangers and Cliftonville but you could see at the end of the Cliftonville game energy levels was getting a bit much," McAree added.
Q&A
What was the final score of the European play-off final between Dungannon Swifts and Linfield?
The final score was 3-1 in favor of Linfield.
Who scored the goals for Linfield in the European play-off final?
Matthew Fitzpatrick scored a hat-trick for Linfield.
Why did Dungannon Swifts struggle in the European play-off final?
Dungannon Swifts struggled due to a demanding schedule, playing three matches in just over a week.
How long had Linfield been without a match before the final?
Linfield had not played for 17 days prior to the final.
