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Andrew Waterworth marked his league debut for Linfield with a hat-trick as the Blues beat 10-man Ballymena United.

The ex-Glentoran striker headed in on 10 minutes and then pounced to score his second nine minutes later.

Substitute Gary Liggett blasted home for Ballymena six minutes after the break but Waterworth scored with a penalty in the 60th minute after being brought down by Dwayne Nelson.

Allan Jenkins was sent-off for dissent and Rodney Brown scored in added time.

The Sky Blues had only registered one league victory at Windsor Park since 1989 and the likelihood of adding to that tally diminished when Waterworth headed in from Jamie Mulgrew's left-wing cross.

The forward then fired wide when well placed while Michael Gault had a left-foot effort blocked by Neil McCullagh.

Michael Carvill dinked the ball across the face of the goalmouth and Waterworth executed the finish to extend the home side's lead.

Liggett fired in after Michael McLellan flicked the ball on, but Waterworth made no mistake after referee Hugh Carvill pointed to the penalty spot.

United skipper Jenkins received a straight red card for dissent on 62 minutes as the visitors voiced their opposition to the penalty award.

As the Blues continued to dominate, Brown registered his first goal for the Blues in stoppage time after good work by Brian McCaul.

Linfield move up to fourth in the Premiership table thanks to their third win of the campaign.