Linfield’s first away day of the season resulted in maximum points as a goal in each half saw off Limavady United at The Showgrounds.

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LIMAVADY UNITED: Alfie Gaston was certainly easy on the eye for Paul Owens’ side as he went on several lung-busting runs to get his team-mates up the pitch. The Coleraine loanee, who netted in the recent loss to Carrick Rangers, looked like Limavady’s most dangerous player throughout the afternoon.

LINFIELD: Although an easy contender due to scoring a goal, Linfield striker Matthew Fitzpatrick was a constant menace to the Roesiders defenders due to his off-the-ball runs. The ex-Glenavon man threatened before opening the scoring with a lovely finish after peeling off his marker in the first half. He then almost provided Linfield with their second as his dangerous cross just missed a vital touch from Dylan Wells and Kobei Moore.

placeholder image — Adam Frizzell celebrates his Linfield goal at the Limavady Showgrounds

BIG MOMENT

In a cagey first half, Linfield’s control of possession finally paid off as they made the breakthrough on 39 minutes. A pin-point cross on the right-hand side picked out Matthew Fitzpatrick and his movement allowed the striker to stab the ball home. The goal came at a good time for the visitors who then exerted their dominance into a second after the restart.

MATCH STATS

39: GOAL - Limavady United 0 Linfield 1 (Fitzpatrick)

A sucker-punch for the Roesiders just before the break as Adam Frizzell’s superb cross is stabbed home by Matthew Fitzpatrick.

45: YELLOW – (Limavady United) O’Donnell

H-T: Limavady United 0 Linfield 1

60: GOAL – Limavady United 0 Linfield 2 (Frizzell)

Just after Chris Johns made a great stop to deny Alfie Gaston at one end, Linfield double their advantage as Dylan Wells’ cross is on the money for Adam Frizzell to head home.

69: SUB – (Limavady United) Boyd replaces Jarvis

73: SUB – (Linfield) Brown replaces Leahy

76: SUBS – (Limavady United) Tosh, R. Boorman and Carlin replace S. Lowry, Duffy and Wilson

76: SUBS – (Linfield) Nelson and Baird replace Wells and Moore

88: YELLOW – (Linfield) Hall

90: YELLOW – (Linfield) McClean

90: YELLOW – (Limavady United) Boyd

F-T: Limavady United 0 Linfield 2

LIMAVADY UNITED: Gallagher, T. Boorman, Jarvis (Boyd, 69), P. Lowry, S. Lowry (Tosh, 76), Duffy (R. Boorman, 76), O’Donnell, Lafferty, Gaston, Wilson (Carlin, 76), Mullan.

Subs Not Used: Doherty (GK), Walker, Brown.

LINFIELD: Johns, Shields, McClean, Frizzell, Hall, Wells (Nelson, 76), McGee, Fitzpatrick, Moore (Baird, 76), Leahy (Brown, 73) McCullough.

Subs Not Used: Glavin (GK), Nelson, Annett, Baird, Chapman, Allen.

Referee: Mark Dillon

TALKING POINTS

Linfield only won six out of their 19 Premiership encounters on the road last season – so it was vital that their travels started with all three points at Limavady. After being thwarted on several occasions, Matthew Fitzpatrick finally made the breakthrough and then the victory was clinched on the hour mark through Adam Frizzell’s header.

The one setback for David Healy’s men will be an injury sustained to Darragh Leahy who had to be withdrawn on a stretcher midway through the second half.

As for Limavady, there was plenty of heart and desire but it is fair to say that boss Paul Owens may look to strengthen his attacking options if he can do before the transfer window closes. The likes of Alfie Gaston and John Butcher can create chances but the Roesiders will need a natural finisher as they look to pick up their first points of the season.

SPECIAL MENTION

LIMAVADY UNITED: To the club itself. Nearly 1200 spectators were at The Showgrounds for the contest in what was a great crowd for the Roesiders. When the club were plying their trade in the now defunct Premier Intermediate League, they would have dreamed of welcoming the likes of Linfield back to the north west.

LINFIELD: A goal and assist ensures Adam Frizzell is a worthy mention here. The Scottish midfielder helped Matthew Fitzpatrick net the opener with a delightful cross from the right, before he got in on the act when he headed in from Dylan Wells’ cross. The former Derry City man continuously linked-up well his team-mates on a profitable afternoon for the Blues.