Linfield 0-0 Ards

Ards will be the much happier of the two sides after working hard to earn a point in a goalless draw with Linfield at Windsor Park.

While both teams had chances to win the game in the latter stages, most of the afternoon passed by in a disappointingly dull affair.

Linfield looked to have taken the lead in the 29th minute as Joel Cooper broke on the counter before sliding a pass in behind for Andy Waterworth.

His low shot was only partially blocked by keeper Samuel Johnston before Jonny Frazer - who had raced back the length of the pitch - managed to get across to hook the ball off the line and prevent a certain goal.

2 minutes later, Blues fullback Chris Casement almost gifted Ards a goal after being dispossesed by David McAllister, who bore down on goal before being denied from an angle by Roy Carroll.

With 65 minutes played, Michael O'Connor turned his man superbly before testing the keeper from range - but Ards number 1 Johnston spent most of his time in the second half on the deck being treated by the physio.

In the 83rd minute Ards felt they should have been awarded a penalty as Mark Kelly went down in the box after being challenged when he looked poised to strike from close range.

Just 2 minutes later, Andy Waterworth rattled the bar after connecting with Casement's cross as Linfield desperately searched for a winner, and Ards captain Adam Cherry headed over when he was unmarked at the back post in the 89th minute, as neither side could claim the points.