Dominic Melly scored Ballymena's goal at Windsor Park

The 17-year-old midfielder got the vital touch during a 27th minute goalmouth scramble after Linfield had failed to clear a free-kick.

It was an off-day for Linfield who were without key players in Glenn Ferguson, William Murphy and skipper Noel Bailie.

But Ballymena played well and deserved to end Linfield's long unbeaten run.

The Belfast Blues had not been beaten in the league since the opening day of the 2003-04 Premier League campaign and their last home defeat in the championship was back in December 2002.

"We were tactically superior, there is no doubt about that," said winning manager Kenny Shiels.

"We had a good idea of the way they wee going to play and where we could hurt them.

"I know the media will say they had players missing but we were understrength too.

"I am sick of lifting papers and reading about Ballymena spending money on new players.

"We brought in four players and let 11 go, we have balanced the books."

Linfield have now been overtaken by Portadown at the top of the league and Glentoran have moved alongside them on 10 points.