Stephen O'Donnell is the first man into the book this afternoon after a hard challenge on Eamon Fyfe.

Matthew Fitzpatrick's header from a Kirk Millar corner brings a sharp reflex save from Jonny Tuffey.

Crusaders have struggled to cope with the striker's aerial prowess so far.

Danny Gibson and Aidan Steele try their luck with the former's effort blocked before Steele's looping effort from the edge of the box drops just wide.

Kyle McClean squares the ball across the face of the Crusaders penalty area but the in-rushing Isaac Baird can only scoop his shot over the bar.

A third Linfield goal might well make the task insurmountable for Crusaders.

Rory Hale’s corner is a poor one, failing to beat the first man.

Jim Magilton’s men had the perfect start through Eric McWoods’ early strike, but they’ve offered little since and haven’t looked like building on that lead.

Tiernan Lynch
Derry City manager and former Larne boss on BBC Radio Ulster

Glenavon have been looking to play on the counterattack and they done it brilliantly.

Cliftonville will be very disappointed that they are lacking intensity in their game, any real drive and it has been too slow.

Glenavon have done a job on them this first half.

The first caution of the day goes the way of Kealan Dillon as he is booked for clattering late into Matthew Snoddy.

Watch as Matthew Fitzpatrick's header finds the bottom corner and extends Linfield's advantage against Crusaders.

Portadown have the ball in the net, direct from an Eamon Fyfe corner, but referee Declan Hassan whistles to rule the goal out and gives a free-kick to Ballymena.

Crusaders defender Evan Easton is booked for a sliding challenge on Callumn Morrison.

Not the most difficult decision referee Steven Gregg will have to make today.

Jack Malone tries his luck with a first-time strike from the edge of the box, but it lacks both power and direction. Keevan Hawthorne is well-placed to nod it clear without much fuss.

Dean Shiels
Former Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts boss on BBC Sportsound

It was a great cross, a great header from Fitzpatrick and Tuffey had no chance.

When Linfield win possession, Crusaders are very open.

Rory Hale has another go from outside the area, but this time his low drive cannons off Kyle McClelland and spins behind for a corner that eventually comes to nothing.

That early goal for Dungannon has not been a prelude to a lot of goalmouth action as both teams have struggled to create much since then.

The conditions certainly aren't helping that mind you on a wet and stormy day here at Taylor's Avenue.

Barry Gray
BBC Radio Ulster summariser

It has been a game which both sides are still feeling their way into it.

The opportunities so far have been from Ballymena.

Portadown go close as James Teelan cuts inside from the left and delivers a cross which lands on the six-yard box.

An outstretched Jordan Gibson was unable to get the decisive touch on the ball to open the scoring.

Crusaders' Josh Williamson collects the first yellow card of the afternoon for a challenge on Kyle McClean.