Glentoran 0-0 Linfield

Peter Thompson holds the ball up despite the attention of Glentoran defender Colin Nixon

Glentoran and Linfield took a point apiece from their first league meeting of the season after a scoreless draw.

Andy Hall had an early chance for the Glens, then Mark McAllister and Curtis Allen went close, before Alan Blayney tipped round a Daryl Fordyce header.

After half-time David Howland hit the sidenetting and Elliott Morris saved superbly to deny Blues striker Allen.

Jamie Mulgrew fired wide and had an effort deflected by Sean Ward while Blayney saved comfortably from Fordyce.

Hall fired the opening salvo of the game with a left-foot shot over the bar in the 10th minute while, at the other end, Peter Thompson shot weakly at Morris.

McAllister turned sharply and shot at goal but Morris was equal to the task.

Allen headed wide and then Blayney made a fine stop from Fordyce's header after Andy Hall nodded the ball into his path.

In the second half, Morris made crucial saves from Allen and then substitute Michael Carvill.

Glentoran are four points clear at the top of the table, with Linfield a further point behind in third.

The Crues and the Blues both have a game in hand of their Belfast rivals.