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Linfield tonight suffered their first domestic defeat of the 2021-22 season, exiting the League Cup at the quarter final stage with a 3-1 defeat to Ballymena United at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

The Blues started on the front foot and took an early lead. Linfield’s best performer on the night, young forward Billy Chadwick netted the sixth goal of his loan spell with an 8th minute opener. Chris Shields charged forward from deep into space in the middle before passing to Chadwick out left. The Hull City loanee dribbled to just inside the Ballymena United box and from the left he managed to bend the ball around a defender into the far corner past an unsighted goalkeeper.

David Healy’s men weren’t able to kick on as Ballymena United responded strongly. Seven minutes after the opener it took a good save from Chris Johns to keep it at 1-0 as Ross Redman met Steven McCullough’s cross with a downward header which was tipped away.

After a strong spell, United levelled eight minutes before half-time. A number of bodies surrounded Linfield ‘keeper Chris Johns on his goalline which meant when a dangerous corner delivery was lofted to the back post it gave Dougie Wilson the chance to attack it with momentum and he headed in from close range.

Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes of the first half as Christy Manzinga headed just over for Linfield from an accurate pickout by Jordan Stewart, before a couple of Ballymena shots inside the box had to blocked in quick succession to keep it level going into the break.

Half Time: Ballymena United 1 – 1 Linfield

Ballymena United got their noses ahead in the tie nine minutes into the second half. Linfield will be disappointed at the manner in which the goal was cheaply conceded. It came from a Linfield corner which was lumped clear and the Blues had two men against United forward Kenny Kane who was allowed to hold the ball up before teeing up Jude Winchester to slot the ball low into the corner.

With their tails up, Ballymena wanted a third and Jude Winchester could and maybe should have bagged it but his shot was straight at Chris Johns. Then with around ten minutes to go, Linfield were knocking on the door and will wonder how they didn’t equalise. Ross Redman headed off the line, Salam’s shot was blocked and Jordan Stewart was denied by a great save.

The Sky Blues were a threat on the break all night and so it played into their hands ultimately when Linfield threw everything at it late on with bodies forward. A Blues corner was countered and United captain Leroy Millar sealed the win for United with a low finish past Chris Johns as David Jeffrey’s men who progress to the semi-finals.

Disappointing for Linfield but a fair result on the balance of play and David Healy will hope for a positive reaction when the Blues travel to Seaview for a league fixture this coming Saturday.

Full Time: Ballymena United 3 – 1 Linfield

Match Images

1. David Healy : We didn't go and get the important second goal