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Highlights: Linfield cruise to victory over Limavady

ByDamian Mullan
BBC Sport NI contributor

A goal in each half from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Adam Frizzell secured Linfield a third successive win with a merited 2-0 victory over Limavady United at the Showgrounds.

Fitzpatrick, Linfield's leading goalscorer last term, opened his account for the new season with a deft volleyed finish six minutes before half-time to set the visitors on their way.

Frizzell turned from provider to finisher with Linfield's second nine minutes after the restart.

The only downside for the Blues on an otherwise comfortable afternoon was a serious looking injury suffered by defender Darragh Leahy midway through the second half.

Linfield dominate from first whistle

Linfield settled early and Fitzpatrick tested Marty Gallagher with a low angled shot inside the opening few minutes, but the Limavady United keeper got down well at his near post to deflect the ball away for a corner.

Gallagher was called into action again moments later, this time denying Frizzell, as Linfield continued to dominate the opening exchanges.

The home side seemed content to sit deep and hit on the break and the tactic almost paid dividends just before the half hour when Alfie Gaston flashed a low right foot shot inches past the post.

But the goal the visitors had been threatening arrived six minutes before half-time thanks to last season's leading goalscorer Fitzpatrick.

The big striker timed his run to perfection to get on the end of an inviting Frizzell cross before delicately guiding a right foot volley past Gallagher and high into the roof of the net.

Frizzell again turned provider just after the restart, his corner met by the head of Ethan McGee forcing a fantastic reflex save from the agile Gallagher.

Linfield doubled their lead on the hour, Frizzell capping a fine individual performance with his first goal of the season, getting on the end of a Dylan Wells cross to direct a header past Gallagher from close range.

At the other end, Chris Johns produced a fine fingertip save to deny Daniel Lafferty from a well struck free-kick in a rare Limavady United attack.

What the managers said

Linfield manager David Healy: "I think what helped us that we were here in preseason, so the players were aware of their whereabouts.

"It was a professional performance from us and you have to be. We talked about our away record last year not being up to standard, and losing to Limavady last year in the Irish Cup, so I'm pleased with the outcome and pleased with the result.

"We're carrying one or two knocks already. We had four missing today and it looks as if Darragh has done something there, so we'll find out the full extent over the next 48 hours.

"There's a long way to go but we're in and around the expectation levels of Linfield and we've some big games coming up."

Limavady United manager Paul Owens: "I'm disappointed we've lost a game of football but in terms of performance I've absolutely no issues with it.

"I think we're improving over the three games. We went to the Oval earlier in the season, but I thought today our performance was the total opposite of that.

"We had large spells of possession and a great chance at 0-0 which might have made things different but ultimately when you come up against the full-time teams you need to take your opportunities.

"We were beaten by two real bits of quality today which I don't think you can do much about."