Ballymena - without an away win since the start of October - got off to a dream start when, on seven minutes, Darren Lockhart turned the ball home from close range after a Michael Smith effort was blocked by David Ogilby.

But 'Stute were back on level terms just four minutes later when Ogilby converted from the spot after Joe McCready had been upended by Albert Watson.

Then, on 20 minutes, Ogilby slotted home his second penalty of the game after Lee Colligan was adjudged to have handled inside the area by referee Raymond Hetherington.

United clawed themselves back into the game, though, two minutes into the second half after a Gary Muir free-kick from some 20 yards took a massive deflection off 'Stute defender Thomas Wray on its way past the helpless Gavin Cullen.

The sides traded chances shortly afterwards before the visitors were handed a huge advantage with 17 minutes remaining when Paddy McLaughlin was dismissed when he collected his second booking of the game for a foul on Nathan McConnell.

However, the closest they came to making this advantage count was when Aaron Stewart found himself unmarked with ten minutes left only to head over from close range.