Linfield 2-1 Ballymena

Linfield had to come from behind to beat Ballymena 2-1 in a close contest at Windsor Park.

Cathair Friel's header opened the scoring, before the Blues fired back through Michael O'Connor and then Joel Cooper.

The visitors' early lead came as a result of Leroy Millar's driving run forward down the left which forced a corner in the 12th minute.

He stepped up to take the set-piece, curling his outswinging delivery towards Friel who was able to glance home the opening goal with a flicked header - despite Jamie Mulgrew taking up a position on the far post.

With half an hour played, the phsyical presence of O'Connor up front finally paid off for the Blues.

Mulgrew's smart pass released Matthew Clarke, and his driven, low cross was turned home from 6 yards by O'Connor, who did well to hold off Kofi Balmer.

The striker then had a goalbound 36th minute header seemingly blocked by the arm of a Ballymena defender - but the referee waved away desperate pleas for a penalty.

It wasn't until the 57th minute that Linfield took the lead for the first time in the match.

Joel Cooper powered his way into the Ballymena box, danced around Andrew McGrory, and smashed a right-footed finish low into the far corner.

Ballymena went in hunt of an equaliser and came close in the 71st minute when Friel turned Millar's cross narrowly wide of the Linfield goal from 6 yards, and Tony Kane could only shoot wide from a 79th minute free kick.

Jonny McMurray almost pulled his side level with a spectacular 86th minute volley, but Linfield held on to claim the points.