Linfield now share top spot in the Boyle Sports Premiership with a 3-1 victory on Friday that moved David Healy’s side up to 22 points and marked the end of leaders Coleraine’s unbeaten start.

Adam Frizzell set the Blues off to a fine start by racing clear and slotting home off Kyle McClean’s clever free-kick on nine minutes.

Linfield captain Chris Shields fired home a superb long-range volley to double the visitors’ lead.

A Coleraine goal was ruled out moments before Linfield launched a break capped by Kobei Moore’s composed finish on 57 minutes.

placeholder image — Linfield manager David Healy salutes the supporters after victory on Friday over Boyle Sports Premiership leaders Coleraine. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

Matthew Shevlin cut the gap entering the final 14 minutes on the clock but Linfield finished out in front over the early title pace-setters.

“I thought we were good tonight, I thought we were so good without the ball in the first half,” said Linfield manager David Healy on BBC Sport NI. “We talked to the players about not taking a backward step...if we were going to lose the game tonight, we were going to go down on our sword.

"We won't be getting carried away but we'll enjoy beating a really good side, one that people are saying is potentially the most exciting they've ever seen in the Irish League.

"So, if we can be a little bit boring at times and come and spoil people's parties...good – but I think we proved tonight that we're not a bad team and I'm delighted for the players."

Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins described his post-match reaction as “extremely disappointing”.

"I'm frustrated and disappointed and angry at the manner of the goals we conceded,” added Higgins on BBC Sport NI.

Higgins was clear “this isn’t excusing our performance” but highlighted the sequence of play to rule out Shevlin’s goal then Linfield immediately launching a free-kick towards scoring number three as “the big moment in the game”.

"Rather than going to 2-1 within 30 seconds it's 3-0 and it's an uphill battle from then,” said Higgins. “But performance-wise from us it wasn't good enough.

"We have to take it on the chin and accept we were second best tonight and come back rejuvenated and ready to go again."

COLERAINE: Lewis Webb, Lyndon Kane, Dylan Boyle, Will Patching, Matthew Shevlin, Joel Cooper, Aidan Wilson, Jay Henderson, Rob Slevin, Ben Wylie, Ben Doherty.

Subs: Ryan Schofield, Cameron Stewart, Lewis McGregor, Levi Ives, Adam Brooks, Senan Devine, Joe Thomson.

LINFIELD: Chris Johns, Kyle McClean, Adam Frizzell, Kitt Nelson, Ben Hall, Chris Shields, Rhys Brennan, Isaac Baird, Ethan McGee, Kobie Moore, Dane McCullough. Subs: Aidan Glavin, Ryan Nolan, Dylan Wells, Sean Brown, Rhys Annett, Charlie Chapman, Michael Temetan.