Linfield moved to the top of the JJB Sports Premiership as a second-half Steven Douglas goal earned the 10-man Blues victory over Ballymena United.

Douglas intervened to deny Michael Ward early on and the Blues had striker Michael Carvill dismissed for retaliation on 39 minutes.

The excellent Douglas then headed Linfield ahead on 57 minutes with a superb diving effort.

It was a rare moment of quality in a poor contest as the Blues took the win.

Ballymena went into the game after five straight wins but after a promising start, the Braidmen faded.

Ward was lively for Ballymena early on and Douglas had to move smartly to block a shot by the former Glentoran striker.

Michael Carvill then fired wide for Blues but it was one of his final contributions before his 39th-minute sending off.

The Linfield striker retaliated after being fouled and then having the ball kicked at him by Aidan Watson.

Carvill exacted retribution by pushing the Ballymena player in the throat and it gave the referee little option but to show a straight red card to the striker.

Linfield manager David Jeffrey was enraged by the incident and had to be restrained by fourth official Alan Black.

Jeffrey produced a more constructive contribution when he introduced Mark Miskimmin for the ineffective Robbie White at half-time.

Jamie Mulgrew wasted an opportunity just after the break as he shot straight at Alan Blayney instead of passing to the unmarked Miskimmin.

But the Blues did take the lead on 57 minutes as Douglas superbly headed his second goal of the season.

While the lead was only one goal, Ballymena rarely threatened in the closing half-hour as the Blues moved a point ahead of Glentoran at the top of the table.

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