Irish Premiership: Ballinamallard Utd 0-1 Linfield

Irish Premiership leaders Linfield are five points clear at the top thanks to Sean Ward's second-half winner away to Ballinamallard United.

The polished defender advanced to beat keeper Alvin Rouse with a 25-yard right-foot shot to maintain the Blues' 100% league record.

Warren Feeney's men have won six out of six and are well clear of north Belfast clubs Crusaders and Cliftonville.

It was a fourth successive defeat for Ballinamallard who remain ninth.

Manager hails Ward's winner

"Sean has that in his locker and does it a lot in training. It was a fantastic finish.

"In the first half I was disappointed with how we moved the ball, but I knew we would get a chance.

"We were comfortable but did not do a lot to create things.

"I am pleased to come here and get the 1-0."