Brilliant Ballymena shock Blues to lay down early marker

August 8, 2026 No Comments

Brilliant Ballymena shock Blues to lay down early markerImage source, Pacemaker PressImage caption, Kearney replaced Jim Ervin last December ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished6 minutes agoThe new era has begun in style for Ballymena United.After five players made the move from Linfield to the Sky Blues this summer as Oran Kearney prepared for his first full season in charge, many had earmarked their match at Windsor Park as the one to watch on the opening Saturday of the Irish Premiership season.Instead, it was the most lop-sided scoreline of the weekend as Ballymena dominated from the first whistle to run out 3-0 victors, scoring three goals at Windsor for the first time since Boxing Day 1973.

Is this a sign of things to come for the much-changed Sky Blues? And what does it mean for the season ahead for David Healy’s side?

McKee magic on Sky Blues debut

Kearney had a busy first summer transfer window with 10 new signings and 18 departures as he looked to put his own stamp on the squad.

His five former Linfield recruits were handed their league debuts in Belfast, and it did not take long for them to impress against their former side.

Chris McKee struggled to secure consistent minutes at the Blues but netted twice in the opening hour of his first Premiership start at Ballymena, with his second in particular a superb strike.

An extra sucker-punch for Linfield manager Healy will be that he was also assisted by former Blues players both times.

Kearney’s side continued to dominate before Success Edogun added a third goal to secure the Sky Blues’ first win at Windsor Park in 22 years.

It can always be hard for teams to settle in their opening match when there are so many new faces, but the Ballymena boss could not ask for much more during the convincing win.

‘We have set the bar’ – Archer

Chris McKee celebrating — Image caption,

Ballymena beat Linfield at Windsor Park for the first time since 2004.

Despite McKee grabbing the headlines, midfielder Josh Archer settled into midfield quickly, while Scott Whiteside also impressed.

During pre-season Archer and Fuad Sule’s partnership in midfield has grown and the duo helped to quickly close the Blues down in the middle of the park.

Registering such a convincing victory in the opening weekend will boost the side’s confidence, but Archer stated the side must now focus on “reaching those levels every week”.

“We have set the bar now, we have to reach those levels every week, and I thought everyone put a shift in,” Archer told BBC Sport NI.

“I have really enjoyed it, been made to feel really welcome, and it helps when some of the boys are coming in with me.

“You get results like today and get ones that aren’t as good, but we want to push as it is a good group, and I think we are capable this year.”

Early endorsement for Kearney’s long-term goals

Kearney stated during the close season that the Sky Blues will be out to ‘upset the applecart’ and this result backed up those ambitions.

Victories at Windsor Park have been few and far between for the side and the manner of the performance during this win gave the Ballymena fans plenty to cheer about.

The question will now be consistency – can they back it up when facing Crusaders in their next match after Declan Cadell’s side struggled in their opening game against rivals Cliftonville?

A tough run follows with home matches against Glentoran and Larne before a trip to the Coleraine Showgrounds.

Ballymena have shown that they can dominate against a side that finished in the top six last season, but their performances in those upcoming games will be vital as they settle into the season.

Ballymena defeat ‘a big concern’ for Healy

Linfield looking dejected — Image caption,

It was a nightmare start to the campaign for the Blues

Expectations at Windsor Park are that Linfield will be in the race for the Gibson Cup every year, but the side will need a quick response after this opening result.

It has been a low-key transfer window for the Blues so far with just four new signings and Healy himself admitting the side are a few players short.

“A lot of people have been looking at us coming into the season, they’ve been sort of thinking, maybe we are a bit short and a bit light,” Healy stated.

“Today was a big concern to me as a manager and speaking to the staff for the length of time they did after the game. I’m sure the board and supporters have a real general concern about the season ahead.

“As I’ve assured them many times, we will go with the squad of players that we have.”

Healy now has less than a week to prepare his outfit for the ‘Big Two’ derby against Glentoran on Saturday, 15 August knowing the fanbase will not accept such a meek defeat against their fierce rivals.