IRISH LEAGUE: Andrew Waterworth strikes as Linfield see off Dungannon Swifts

Linfield made it three league wins on the trot as they beat Dungannon Swifts 1-0 in the Danske Bank Premiership at Windsor Park on Saturday.

And the Blues have to thank striker Andrew Waterworth for the winner as his goal claimed all three points for David Healy's side.

The Blues had two chances through Waterworth in the opening ten minutes and David Healy's side had started brightly.

Dungannon though had a chance through Ryan Harpur in the 17th minute but his effort was well saved by Linfield keeper Andy Carroll.

After half an hour it was still scoreless and the Linfield faithful were starting to voice their frustration.

There was very little between the teams as both struggled to get a foothold on the game.

In the 35th minute the home side had another chance to take the lead.

Kirk Millar crossed from the right but Waterworth was again off target.

The home side were upping the tempo as we came near the break but the Swifts were working hard and defending well.

The second half started at a slow pace with both sides trying to find the opening goal of this encounter.

Waterworth went close in the 54th minute after making a good run through the Swifts defence.

Dungannon went close a minute later - as the game opened up - but Carroll made a good save from Kris Lowe.

The home support were getting restless as their side seemed to lack the ideas needed to open Dungannon up.

The defending league champions needed to do better and they did as substitute Ryan Strain shot just wide in the 64th minute.

In the 66th Strain again went close but his right footed shot from the edge of the box flew over with Swifts keeper Stuart Addis beaten.

The Blues opener finally came in the 68th minute. Niall Quinn threw in a beautiful cross and Waterworth headed home much to the relief of the Linfield faithful.

Strain had another chance in the 70th minute for Linfield but his effort was pushed away by Addis.

Strain again went close moments later as his shot was pushed by the post by Addis. Sub Strain was having an impact.

The Swifts had a great chance in the 70th minute. Peter McMahon raced cleared but his shot was well saved by Carroll in the Linfield goal.

Carroll really is worth his weight in gold to Linfield manager Healy.

On 84 minutes McMahon again went close for the Swifts as he effort landed on top of Carroll's goal.

Then Linfield's Srain tried another effort from outside the box and Addis did well to tip it around the post.