Linfield see of 10-man Bangor at Windsor Park

Paul Kelly
BBC Sport NI contributor

A strong second-half display from Linfield earned all three points at Windsor Park with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Bangor.

Kobei Moore's close-range effort and Chris Shields' penalty was enough to record an eighth win of the season for the Blues.

Harry Lynch was sent off for a late challenge on Dane McCullough early in the second half, with the hosts making their numerical advantage count almost instantly.

The Seasiders drop to bottom of the league on goal difference with David Healy's side remaining three points behind leaders Coleraine with a game in hand.

Second half dominance from Linfield earns three points

The first half produced very few chances up either end, with Kitt Nelson having the best opportunity for the hosts. His strike was blocked inside the area just as he was unleashing a strike following Adam Frizzell's pinpoint through ball.

For the visitors Tiarnan Mulvenna had their best chance, with Chris Shields coming to Linfield's rescue with a vital block just inside the box.

The Blues began the second half firmly on the front foot but struggled to produce a clear chance as the Seasiders stood firm.

Lee Feeney's side were then reduced to 10 men after 54 minutes as Lynch was sent off for a late challenge on Dane McCullough, with referee Declan Hassan producing the red card without hesitation.

Three minutes later and the Blues hit the front through Moore, who tucked Rhys Brennan's inviting cross from the right into the bottom corner.

David Healy's side were then awarded a penalty as Steven McCullough wrestled Adam Frizzell to ground inside the box, with Shields stepping up to double their lead on 65 minutes.

What the managers said

Linfield boss David Healy: "It was tough. You're hoping for an early breakthrough but they made it really difficult for us.

"We beat them heavily here last year and I spoke to Lee [Feeney] afterwards and he vowed that wouldn't happen again. We knew it was going to be tough to break them down but we eventually got there.

"I didn't enjoy all of the performance, but most importantly we got the result."

Bangor manager Lee Feeney: "They never laid a glove on us in the first half. We were in their half more than they were in ours.

"Then the sending off turned the tide. It's a big pitch to be playing on with 10-men against a full-time team who have had extra days rest.

"It was going to be a big ask to keep a clean sheet, but the first thing you want to do is try and stay in the game straight after the red card, but we conceded within three minutes."