Sports Direct Premiership
Ballymena 1 Glenavon 0
BALLYMENA ensured they will not face automatic relegation as they grabbed a 1-0 win over Glenavon at the Showgrounds.
Calvin McCurry grabbed the winner early on and both sides finished with 10 men. Scot Whiteside was dismissed for a handball, whilst Jack Malone saw red for the visitors.
On a chilly night in Ballymena it was United who started the brighter and with just nine minutes on the clock, they made the breakthrough.
Midfielder Fraser Taylor crossed to the back post where Daithi McCallion headed back across the six-yard box and McCurry was on hand to smash home from close range for his first goal of the season.
Jim Ervin’s men could have doubled their lead soon after. First Glenavon defender Danny Wallace almost headed into his own net from a cross, and from the resulting corner the ball fell to McCurry, the striker in the clear, eight-yards out. But he could only poke the ball at Mark Byrne in goal.
Glenavon’s best chance came on 34 minutes. Len O’Sullivan showed some neat footwork down the left before sliding an excellent ball across the edge of the six-yard box. Sean O’Neill could only parry the cross in goal and the ball fell to the feet of Peter Campbell eight yards out, but his effort went agonisingly wide.
The second half burst into life and on 53 minutes Glenavon had a chance to draw level from the penalty spot.
Lido Lotefa’s shot was blocked on the line by Whiteside and referee Jamie Robinson pointed to the spot as well as showing Whiteside a straight red. Up stepped Campbell but his effort was brilliantly saved by O’Neill.
Glenavon grew into the game and pushed hard but missed further chances through Stephen Teggart who twice missed when scoring looked easier.
The game ended 10-apiece when Glens’ Malone saw red for a late challenge on Donal Rocks. The victory means Ballymena escaped automatic relegation.
Ballymena United O’Neill, Nelson, Brown, Whiteside, Gawne, McMurray, McCullough, Boyle, Barr, F Taylor, McCurry.
Subs Johnston, Rocks, McGrory, Tennant, Robinson, Stewart, McCallion.
Glenavon: Deane, Toure, Haughey (C), Snoddy, Malone, Hodgins, Quinn, Teggart, Wallace, O’Sullivan, Doona
Subs Byrne, Kerr, Doran, Clarke, Garrett, Ward, Lotefa
