Linfield 2-1 Ballymena United
Updated
Linfield won: Linfield 2-1 Ballymena United in the NIFL Premiership (Round 27) on Sat, 31 Jan 2026 at Windsor Park. Linfield goals: Matty Yates 12', Shane McEleney 90' (og). Ballymena United goals: Igor Rutkowski 53'. Sent off: Matthew Clarke (71').
Match report
Linfield beat Ballymena United 2-1
Linfield squeezed past Ballymena United 2-1 at Windsor Park on Saturday 31 January in the NIFL Premiership.
Matty Yates put Linfield ahead on 12' (1-0), Igor Rutkowski levelled for Ballymena United on 53' (1-1) and an own goal by Shane McEleney restored Linfield's lead on 90' (2-1).
A late own goal proved decisive.
Matthew Clarke (Ballymena United) was sent off on 71'.
Match stats
| Linfield | Ballymena United | |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | 16 | 6 |
| Offsides | 6 | 2 |
| Attacks | 204 | 168 |
| Free Kicks | 26 | 20 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 4 |
Lineups
Linfield: Josh Archer, Isaac Baird, Sean Brown, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Adam Frizzell, Ben Hall, Chris Johns, D. Leahy, Kyle McClean, Ethan McGee, Matthew Yates
Ballymena United: Matthew Clarke, Kian Corbally, Success Edogun, Aaron Jarvis, Daithí McCallion, Shane McEleney, Patrick McEleney, Daire O'Conchubhair, Igor Rutkowski, David Toure, B. Wade
Key events
- 12' · Goal · Matty Yates (Linfield)
- 53' · Goal · Igor Rutkowski (Ballymena United)
- 71' · Red card · Matthew Clarke (Ballymena United)
- 90' · Goal · Shane McEleney (Linfield)
All-time head-to-head
Questions
Who won Linfield vs Ballymena United?
Linfield won, 2-1 (NIFL Premiership) on Sat, 31 Jan 2026.
When and where is Linfield vs Ballymena United?
Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 15:00 UTC at Windsor Park, NIFL Premiership.