Kyle McClean scored a dramatic 100th-minute equaliser to salvage a point for Linfield in their Irish Premiership clash against Ballymena United. Despite Patrick McEleney's penalty giving Ballymena a late lead, McClean ensured the Blues extended their lead at the top of the table to 20 points.
Kyle McClean's last-gasp equaliser rescued a point for Linfield, who extended their lead at the top of the Irish Premiership to 20 points. Paul McEleney put Ballymena in front from the penalty spot in the 91st minute before McClean broke Sky Blues hearts right at the death. The first chance saw the ball cleared off the line from a corner, with Sam Roscoe then striking the crossbar with a header moments later.
Jonathan McMurray's night was cut short as he left the field on a stretcher, being replaced by Calvin McCurry. Referee Steven Gregg also awarded McMurray a yellow card for his foul on Jamie Mulgrew that resulted in his injury. About sharing Andrew Scott is the first player to be booked by referee Steven Gregg as he is cautioned for his late challenge on Chris McKee. Jim Ervin now looks to his bench for the first time of the evening as he introduces Aaron Jarvis with Duncan Idehen being replaced. David Healy looks to his bench for the first time on the hour mark and it's Callum Morrison who is introduced for his debut as he replaces Ethan McGee. Daniel Lafferty tries his luck from a free-kick in a dangerous position, but his effort is easily gathered by David Walsh who saves comfortably. Chris McKee comes close to restoring Linfield's lead as his left-footed strike from inside the area takes a deflection and goes behind for a corner. Matthew Fitzpatrick does well to find Kyle McClean down the right, who crossed to the back post where Euan East recycles the ball, before McKee shoots and sees his effort deflected just behind. Kyle McClean salvaged a point for Irish Premiership leaders Linfield with an 100th-minute equaliser at the Ballymena Showgrounds. After Ballymena's Donal Rocks had cancelled out Matthew Fitzpatrick's Linfield opener in the first half, Patrick McEleney thought he had scored the winner from the penalty spot in added time only to be denied by McClean's even later strike. Linfield hit the front on 12 minutes as Fitzpatrick pounced on a misplaced Duncan Idehen pass, slotting home beyond Sean O'Neill and into the bottom right-hand corner for his ninth league goal of the season. Just as the visitors looked to be asserting themselves, Ballymena levelled through Rocks after a swift counter attack caught Linfield out. Sam Roscoe came closest to putting the visitors back in front, with his towering header smashing the crossbar with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Instead it was the Sky Blues who hit the front as McEleney made no mistake from the spot after Chris McKee had brought down Andrew Scott inside the penalty area. Just as the Sky Blues thought they had secured all three points, up popped McClean to rescue a point for Linfield who extended their lead at the top of the Irish Premiership to 20 points with their nearest challengers still to play on Saturday and Sunday. All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.
LINFIELD BALLYMENA UNITED IRISH PREMIERSHIP KYLE MCCLEAN PATRICK MCELENEY FOOTBALL NEWS
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