IRISH LEAGUE: Linfield boss David Healy wants reaction after Cup exit

Former international striker Healy watched on at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Wednesday night as his side were beaten 4-1 by the Sky Blues in the NI League Cup.

And the Linfield boss says his players were poor against Ballymena United.

“For one we were not good enough from minute one and for whatever reason we did not turn up.

“They seemed to want it more than us - which disappointed me. They seemed hungrier than us . They were working harder than us and there are ways to lose football games, but not the way we did. We disappeared out of the game.

“It was not good enough and we have to be thankful it was only 4-1,” he added.

And Healy says they have to forget about the defeat and focus on the challenge that Ballinamallard United will bring.

“We have to bounce back on Saturday and as much as it hurts.

“We have to get our act together and get some points on the board.

“I told the players I will be looking for a big response from this defeat and that performance was unacceptable.

“Thankfully there is a game on Saturday and we can put this result to bed. It is going to be a tough game against Ballinamallard. They are a good side and they are in form so we need a performance.”