Ballymena United 1, Ballinamallard United 0

David Cushley’s second half goal ensured United’s recent run of good form continued, with the victory meaning that Ballymena have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four league fixtures.

Ballymena made a bright opening to the game with Tony Kane’s dipping 30-yard effort landing just over the crossbar, while a neat build-up ended with Alan Teggart shooting weakly at Alvin Rouse.

United keeper Yohann Lacroix, making his home debut, was tested for the first time on 12 minutes when he tipped over Nathan Cashel’s back post header from Richard Lecky’s deep cross.

Gavin Taggart then fired over a rising drive from the corner of the penalty area.

Ballymena’a build-up play in the centre of the field was easy on the eye but it was from a long ball forward that United fashioned their next opening with Mark Stafford producing a fine last-ditch tackle as Allan Jenkins prepared to pull the trigger.

Ballinamallard remained a threat on the counter-attack and the visitors almost punished some sluggish defending, but David Kee’s curling shot lacked the pace to threaten Lacroix.

Ballymena went close just before the interval when Tony Kane’s long throw was flicked on at the near post by Mark Surgenor and Aaron Stewart just couldn’t get a decisive touch at the back post, with the ball arriving slightly behind him.

United had another opening 10 minutes into the second period when Tony Kane’s cross from the right found Alan Teggart, whose shot on the turn went beyond Rouse’s far post.

But the home side did take the lead on 62 minutes. Allan Jenkins broke up a Ballinamallard attack by winning a challenge in midfield before threading a through ball for Cushley to race clear and slip a shot past Rouse, despite the keeper getting a touch.

United came close to a second when Johnny Taylor’s volley from a Teggart corner was blocked by team-mate Mark Surgenor as is appeared to be heading towards goal.

Allan Jenkins missed a golden opportunity to double United lead when he blazed over from a Surgenor knockdown.

Nathan Cashel had a late header off target for the Mallards but United were able to hold on for victory.

Ballymena United: Lacroix, Kane, Munster, Taylor, Stewart, Surgenor, Taggart, Thompson (sub Ruddy 90+2), Cushley (sub Dolan 78), Teggart (sub Lowry 87), Jenkins. Subs (not used): McLellan, Davidson.

Ballinamallard United: Rouse, Crilly, N Beacom, Stafford, Keohane, Sheridan (sub Crawford 73), Kee, C Beacom, Cashel, Leckey (sub McManus 79), Campbell (sub Martin 64). Subs (not used): Currie, Carrothers.

Referee: Mark Courtney (Dungannon).