Linfield manager David Healy commended his players for achieving “the required outcome” in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Ballymena United in the Irish Premiership.

Sky Blues defender Stephen O’Donnell was dismissed with 20 minutes remaining for a handball, his second bookable offence, before substitute Rhys Annett and Kirk Millar scored the goals which ensured the Blues maintained their five-point advantage at the top of the table.

“I’m pleased with the three points and a clean sheet. It was hard fought, as I knew it would be, but we came out the end of it,” said Healy after the game.

“We huffed and puffed without creating much in the first half.

“We settled down, we spoke. We got a little bit better in the second half – the required outcome was that we win today and we did that.”

O’Donnell’s sending-off saw the Blues play the final part of the game with a one-man advantage and Annett’s headed goal was vital.

“We were pushing in and around that time to break the deadlock and when it did come it was at an important stage and at an important time.

“They’re down to 10 men, we threatened to open the door and thankfully we did.

“Rhys is a goalscorer. He’s not the biggest in terms of physicality but he’s in the right area, that’s where you want your number nine in front of the goalkeeper and he got an important touch on it.”