BALLYMENA United manager Jim Ervin has put his team’s fairytale start to the season – 11 successive wins in all competitions – down to consistency of selection.
United are still at the summit of the Sports Direct Premiership after a Ben Kennedy penalty gave the Braidmen a 1-0 success against Glenavon at Mourneview Park.
The decisive moment came on 62 minutes when Aaron Jarvis was challenged by Len O’Sullivan in the box, referee Jamie Robinson pointing to the spot and Kennedy converting for his 11th goal of the campaign.
It was a hotly disputed spot kick but boss Ervin said: “I can see why the penalty was given. Aaron Jarvis was barged over and Ben has stepped up and put it away.”
And Ervin - whose side only held on to their top flight status via a last gasp play-off win over Institute at the end of last season - revealed that being able to put out the same starting XI on a regular basis has been a major factor in Ballymena’s great start.
“It’s the same side most weeks but at some stage that will drop off as you pick up injuries and suspensions,” he said.
“The whole squad have been outstanding. Everyone is playing their part. The guys that aren’t playing are pushing the others on in training.”
Ballymena are a point clear of Linfield - having played a game more - who edged out Crusaders 3-2 at Seaview, boss David Healy sent from the touchline towards the end.
Kyle McClean, who netted twice along with a goal from former Antrim GAA star Matthew Fitzpatrick, said: “We are delighted to come here and get three points. It’s a difficult place to get a result. It was manic late on but thankfully we held on.”
Stephen Baxter’s reign as Carrick Rangers manager got off to a winning start with a 2-1 triumph against Coleraine at Taylors Avenue.
Baxter, who left Crusaders recently after 19 years at the helm, said: “It’s very pleasing to get all three points – we were very worthy winners. We had to dig deep.
“There are a lot of excellent players here who have had good careers at other clubs. A lot of players are coming back from injury and are playing even though they are not fully fit.”
Second half goals from David Fisher and Paddy McClean helped Glentoran overcome Dungannon Swifts at the Oval.
In the teatime kick-off, Portadown beat Loughgall 1-0 at Shamrock Park courtesy of an early goal by Steven McCullough, a win that takes Niall Currie’s side up to sixth.