John Martin was the Linfield matchwinner

A 61st-minute goal by Linfield new boy John Martin ensured the league champions got off to a winning start.

Michael Collins was fortunate not to be sent-off after an off-the-ball incident with Michael Gault and then Stuart Addis tipped over a Collins effort.

Paul Murphy tipped round a Billy Joe Burns shot and pushed William Murphy's header onto the crossbar.

Substitute Martin secured the points for the Blues when he fired into the bottom corner.