McAllisterstrikestodumpoutholdersLinfield

DAVID McAllister last night hit the goal that sent holders Linfield crashing out of the Toals County Antrim Shield.

The midfielder struck after the interval to earn plucky Ards a place in the semi-final draw and their first win at Windsor Park in 31 years.

But this was another Halloween horror show from David Healy’s team — they already trail Coleraine by 10 points in the league and have now lost a trophy that they won last season.

Yes, they dominated possession, but a mixture of wasteful finishing and an inspired goalkeeping display from Sam Johnston made it another night of misery for the home faithful.

Little wonder the home supporters vented their anger as the players made their way to the dressing room at the finish.

The Blues had the ball in the net on 15 minutes when Johnston plucked a Stephen Fallon lob out of the air, but was bundled over the line by Cameron Stewart. Referee Keith Kennedy penalised the striker.

But the home side had a real let off three minutes later. Jonny Frazer managed to trick his way past Mark Stafford, but could only screw his shot across the face of the goal.

It was all Linfield after that. Stephen Lowry let fly with a sizzling 25-yard drive that Johnston did well to claw out.

Then Jimmy Callacher cleverly diverted a Niall Quinn cross into the path of Stafford, who hoofed over the top from eight yards.

Cameron Stewart was causing problems, and when he was brought by Adam McAleenan, Jordan Stewart could only hammer the 25-yard free-kick wide.

With the clock ticking down to the break, Ards had a real let off when Callacher, Stafford and Fallon all had a go at ramming the ball over the line, but all failed.

Ards had the audacity to take the lead just three minutes after the interval when McAllister was sent clear and, after waltzing past a bemused Chris Casement, he drilled an unstoppable shot past Gareth Deane.

Linfield tried to repair the damage with Jordan Stewart and Aaron Burns having shots before substitute Josh Robinson completely fluffed his lines.

Jordan Stewart was then denied 14 minutes from time after Johnston saved from Fallon. The midfielder picked up the pieces, twisted and turned but his bullet drive was pushed to safety. LINFIELD: Deane, Stafford (Robinson, 46 mins), C Stewart (Waterworth, 65 mins), Callacher, Lowry, J Stewart, Burns, Casement, Fallon, 2uinn, Clarke (Millar, 65 mins). Unused subs: Adams, Scannell. ARDS: Johnston, Hall, Byers, McAleenan, Ruddy, Frazer, Tommons, Hanley, McAllister (Mitchell, 65 mins), Arthurs (McComb, 74 mins), Kelly. Unused subs: McLellan, Liggett, Torrens.

Man of the match: Sam Johnston (Ards) Match rating: 6/10

Referee: Keith Kennedy (Lisburn) Making his point: Ards’ Datid McAllister hails his vinner