TOMMY Wright's Ballymena side failed to punish Linfield in a hard fought game at Windsor Park, as the Blues won the match 2-0.

Ballymena were victims of a dubious penalty decision by referee Mark Courtney; Linfield defender Jim Ervin dispatched the kick and Timmy Adamson tapped in the Blues' late in the game.

"I honestly think that score-line was harsh on us, particularly the second goal," said Wright, speaking to the Sunday Life.

"We played very well and weren't put under a lot of pressure, other than a 10-minute spell early on. "In the second-half I think we controlled the game but didn't take advantage from set-pieces when we had the chance.

The penalty decision came after 39 minutes, when Paul McAreavey was adjudged to have been upended by Aaron Callaghan. Courtney pointed to the spot and full-back Jim Ervin, once a trailist with Ballymena, fired the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net for the opening goal.

Until that point, Ballymena had proved their worth with the tenacious Aidan Watson not letting Linfield have a sniff in the midfield. There was a distinct lack of chances for either side though, as Stuart King's free kick hit the outside of the post, whilst Linfield's Aidan O'Kane had a stinging shot well turned away by Paul Murphy.

The second half proved a drab affair in the February sunshine, as Ballymena failed to create any chances - even with the introduction of Darren Fitzgerald after 72 minutes. Linfield began to take control had Thomas Stewart had a couple of half chances.

Top of the table Blues, finished the Braidmen off in injury time, when Peter Thompson's through pass allowed Timmy Adamson to round Murphy in the Ballymena goal and tap home from three yards to claim the three points for the Windsor Park men.

Linfield: Mannus, Ervin, McShane, Gault, W. Murphy, Stewart (sub Downey 64), McAreavey, O'Kane, Thompson, Dickson (sub Adamson 64), Bailie. Sub (not used): Douglas.

Ballymena United: P. Murphy, Callaghan, McClean, Aidan Watson, Albert Watson, Kelly, Picking, Patrick (sub Lowry 79), Brown (sub Fitzgerald 72), Kelbie, King. Sub (not used): McConaghie.

Referee: Mark Courtney (Dungannon).

Pictures courtesy of Darren Thompson