Ballymena back on top after win over Linfield at the Showgrounds
David Jeffrey's side beat Blues 2-1
Ballymena sent out a statement of intent after leapfrogging Linfield to the top of the table after a 2-1 win over the Blues at the Showgrounds.
It was a thrilling game at Warden Street as Ballymena and Linfield locked horns - with much at stake for both sides.
Linfield looked to remain top while a win for the home side would elevate the Sky Blues to the top of the table and they did exactly that after a spirited second half fight back.
The home side had a great chance to take the lead in the opening minutes as Stephen McCullough’s downward header fell to Adam Lecky inside the area but the forward blazed over.
Linfield took the lead moments later as Andy Waterworth poked home Stephen Fallon’s cross at the near post despite. United felt the goal should have been disallowed as the ball had crossed the by line for a goal kick.
David Jeffrey’s side had the ball in the back of the net as Lecky and Jude Winchester combined with the latter firing low into the net but the effort was adjudged offside.
Linfield were also denied a goal on 13 minutes for offside. Fallon’s cross was directed towards goal by Waterworth, the effort was saved by McDermott before Kirk Millar fired home despite the referee’s whistle.
David Jeffrey’s side were to be dealt a blow early on as Reece Glendinning was withdrawn with an ankle problem, replaced by Tony Kane.
Almost immediately United threatened, Leroy Millar capitalised on Josh Robinson’s mistake and his shot forced an excellent save from Roy Carroll. Ballymena had a penalty waved away as Lecky went down inside the area under challenge from Josh Robinson but Ian McNabb turned away the appeal.
Linfield could have extended the lead with seconds remaining in the first half but the lively Fallon failed to get a touch at the near post. It was a tight game at the Warden Street Showgrounds in the opening 45 minutes with a lot at stake in the second half.
David Jeffrey’s men levelled on 51 minutes. Jonny Addis climbed highest to nod home Stephen McCulloch’s delivery from a set piece.
It was a complete turnaround for the home side as United extended their lead on 58 minutes. Superb link up play between Cathair Friel and Leroy Millar allowed the latter to fire low past Roy Carroll and into the net.
Cathair Friel had a further chance for the Sky Blues as he latched on to Leroy Millar’s cross but the strikers effort was expertly denied by Carroll.
Jimmy Callacher should have levelled for the Blues after being presented a free header inside the box. Ballymena counter attacked up the pitch as Tony Kane had a great effort denied by Carroll in the Linfield goal.
Linfield battled for an equaliser but to no avail signalling that Ballymena United move top of the Danske Bank Premiership with a slender advantage at the summit.
BALLYMENA UNITED FC: McDermott, Addis, Friel, Knowles, McCullough, Balmer, Winchester (Nolan ‘90), Ervin (c), Lecky, Millar, R. Glendinning (Kane ‘20)
Subs not Used: McCauley (GK), Quigley, Burns, Shevlin, McMurray
LINFIELD FC: Carroll, Robinson, Callacher, Waterworth, Cooper (Stewart ‘76), Millar (Forde ‘80), Fallon, Mulgrew (c), Garrett (O’Connor ‘68), Quinn, Casement
Subs not used: Deane (GK), Stafford, Clarke, Mitchell
REFEREE: Ian McNabb