Roy draws comfort from Windsor stalemate

But as United kicked off their Carling Premiership with a point which very few people – even the club's most die-hard fans – would have predicted, this was a draw which felt as good as a victory to the Sky Blue supporters who applauded their team off after a gutsy performance.

It was a well-deserved point for Ballymena, in the unfamiliar colours of their new red away strip and their best result at the national stadium since Dominic Melly's famous winner for Kenny Shiels' United in 2004.

Ballymena boss Roy Walker was understandably pleased as his notoriously slow starters – United haven't won an opening day top-flight game since 1998 – put a very welcome point on the board on day one.

"I am happy because we have come to Windsor Park and kept a clean sheet.

"We competed well and created chances, so I have to be pleased with the display and result.

"We limited Linfield to precious little, and I can't remember our goalkeeper having a spell when he was overworked. We expected to come under pressure, but it seemed to be territory more than pressure.

"I think we can take a lot of positives from the game. I don't think anyone expected Linfield not to score. I am sure the bookmakers weren't giving good odds on Ballymena keeping a clean sheet.

"Our buzz phrase was don't show too much respect. You can come here and let the surroundings influence you.

"Remember we have boys making their Premiership debut in Mo McDowell and Denver Gage. They have come from the lower leagues.

"It is a big step up but they coped admirably."

Ballymena weren't over-awed by their surroundings and Andy Smith - no stranger to the national stadium from his time as a Northern Ireland international - went close with a cheeky lob which beat Alan Blayney but landed on top of the net.

There was an even better chance for the Sky Blues on 28 minutes when Smith's shot was blocked by Noel Bailie but the ball fell into the path. However, the imposing figure of Blayney was quickly off his line to block the Scottish striker's close-range effort.

As expected, United came under pressure at the other end and from one of their best openings, Jamie Mulgrew could not control his back post header as United keeper Ryan Brown struggled to get across his goal.

The key moment in the match came with six minutes left when Linfield had the ball in the net but referee Raymond Crangle adjudged that Brown had been impeded by Michael Carvill prior to Peter Thompson tapping the ball home.

Linfield: Blayney, BJ Burns (sub Ervin 46), Bailie, Lindsay (sub Douglas 29), A Burns, Mulgrew, McCaul (sub Carvill 46), Lowry, Garrett, Curran, Thompson. Subs (not used): Allen, McAllister.

Ballymena United: Brown, M Smith, Colligan, Watson, Stewart, Berry (sub McDowell 50), Haveron, Taggart, Murray (sub Gage 81), Smith, McCutcheon. Subs (not used): Gibson, McLaughlin, Young.

Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast).