Linfield produced the response their supporters demanded as they defeated Belfast rivals Glentoran 2-1 at Windsor Park in the first Big Two showdown of the new Irish Premiership season.

After suffering a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Ballymena United on the opening weekend, the Blues arrived into Saturday’s derby with questions already being asked about their start to the campaign.

Ninety minutes later, the mood around Windsor Park looked very different.

Goals from Darragh Leahy and Kirk Millar put David Healy’s side firmly in control before Jordan Stewart pulled one back for Glentoran late in the game. Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were then damaged when Stewart was shown a red card.

Blues deliver when it matters

There are few better fixtures in which to rediscover some confidence than a Big Two derby.

Linfield looked sharper and more determined from the opening stages, and their positive approach was rewarded after 18 minutes when Leahy headed the hosts in front.

It completed an eventful start for the defender, who had earlier survived a nervous moment when a misplaced back-pass almost presented Glentoran with an opportunity.

Linfield continued to make life difficult for their visitors, with Matthew Fitzpatrick and Adam Frizzell helping the Blues play higher up the pitch.

There were opportunities to make the advantage more comfortable too, with Billy Crellin producing several important saves to keep Glentoran in the contest.

The second Linfield goal eventually arrived through Millar, whose powerful effort gave the Blues some breathing space and left the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Stewart’s late strike briefly offered Glentoran hope, but his subsequent dismissal following a challenge on Leahy effectively brought their comeback attempt to an end.

Healy gets the reaction he wanted

After last weekend’s defeat, attention had quickly turned towards Linfield and their prospects for the season.

Manager David Healy, however, backed the character within his dressing room and his players answered their critics in one of the biggest fixtures on the domestic calendar.

Healy is now into his 11th year in charge at Windsor Park and has experienced almost every pressure that comes with managing the Irish League’s most decorated club.

With six Premiership titles and two Irish Cups already secured during his tenure, one poor opening result was never going to define Linfield’s campaign.

This performance was much closer to what their manager and supporters will expect.

It wasn’t necessarily a spectacular derby, but Linfield were more effective when the important moments arrived – and against your biggest rivals, the result is what matters most.

Frustrating afternoon for Glentoran

For Glentoran, the performance was a significant step backwards from their opening 2-0 victory over Limavady United.

The Glens struggled to create enough problems for Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns and were unable to establish themselves in the game for long periods.

Manager Declan Devine was particularly disappointed with his team’s intensity and admitted afterwards that they simply hadn’t done enough over the course of the match.

There are also some early challenges for Devine to navigate.

The summer departure of Cammy Palmer has left an important position to fill in midfield, while injuries have already removed several experienced players from contention, including Pat Hoban, Andrew Mills and Jarlath O’Rourke.

Stewart had scored in both of Glentoran’s opening league matches, but his red card at Windsor Park now creates another selection headache.

Despite the setback, Devine remains confident in the squad he has assembled and believes there is plenty more to come.

Could this be the result that starts Linfield’s season?

Two matches into a league campaign is far too early for sweeping conclusions, but derby victories can quickly change the atmosphere around a football club.

Seven days earlier, Linfield supporters were digesting a heavy opening-day defeat on their own ground.

Now they have three points, a victory over their biggest rivals and Belfast bragging rights.

For Healy, perhaps the most encouraging aspect wasn’t simply winning the match – it was seeing his players respond immediately when their character was questioned.

Glentoran, meanwhile, will want to ensure this was simply an off-day rather than an indication of an inconsistent season ahead.

The Irish Premiership campaign has barely started, but the first Big Two battle has already given both Belfast clubs plenty to think about.

Full-time: Linfield 2-1 Glentoran.

And after a difficult opening weekend, the Blues suddenly have something to build on.

Read more: Linfield vs Glentoran at The Oval Tomorrow Night