Linfield kept up the pressure on league leaders Glentoran with a 3-0 win.

Paul Munster had an effort cleared off the line and Alan Blayney saved from Michael Carvill early in the game.

Gavin McDonnell fouled Carvill inside the area in the 35th minute and Jim Ervin fired the resulting penalty into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

William Murphy headed just wide before Munster made it 2-0 with a cool finish on 64 and then substitute Kevin McHugh added the third in the 85th minute.

Former Derry City striker McHugh took advantage of a defensive howler by McDonnell to complete the comfortable victory for the Blues.

Michael Carvill shields the ball from Craig McClean

Craig McClean cleared Munster's early shot off the line while Kevin Kelbie blazed over for Ballymena.

Linfield's Jamie Mulgrew appeared to be brought down inside the area but referee Mark Courtney awarded a free-kick instead.

Blayney saved from Carvill before Ervin ended the Blues' recent run of missed penalties by slotting home the opener.

Immediately after the break, Murphy met Damian Curran's corner with a firm header but he was just off-target.

Alan Mannus then tipped over a Gavin Melaugh drive before Munster and McHugh made the points secure.

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