Ballymena United 2, Ballinamallard United 0

Second half goals from Mark Surgenor and Shane Dolan helped United to a third straight league win which saw them leapfrog their Fermanagh opponents into eighth position in the Danske Bank Premiership table.

United could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty from David Cushley during the second period.

Ballymena were boosted before kick-off with the news that Tony Kane has become the latest player to commit his future to the club, signing a new two-year extension to his contract.

And it was the full-back-turned-midfielder who had United’s first opening on three minutes when he volleyed over after Allan Jenkins had flicked the ball into his path.

At the other end, from a quick Ballinamallard break, Mark McCullagh had to be alert to head Nigel Beacom’s probing cross behind for a corner.

Ballymena survived a let-off on 25 minutes when Richard Lecky cut inside onto his left foot and his curling shot crashed off the post with United keeper Stuart Addis well beaten.

Ballinamallard looked threatening coming forward and Nathan Cashel side-footed over from a good position from a Beacom cross, while at the other end, Shane Dolan headed wide at the near post from a Cushley corner.

The final chance of the first half saw United defender Johnny Taylor volley wide after a Tony Kane free kick had bobbled around the Ballinamallard penalty area.

The visitors wasted a clear opening early in the second half when Mark Stafford’s sliding clearance turned into a perfectly-weighted through ball for Duwayne McManus who raced clear but blazed wildly over.

Then Richard Lecky tricked his way into the Ballymena penalty area only to shoot wastefully over when he needed to show composure.

Instead it was Ballymena who took the lead just short of the hour mark.

Keeper Alvin Rouse came a long way from his goal to attempt to take Aaron Stewart’s deep cross but he was beaten all ends up in the air by Allan Jenkins and Mark Surgenor was on hand to steer the loose ball into the unguarded net.

Ballymena missed a glorious chance to double their lead on 67 minutes when they were awarded a penalty when Rouse brought down Jenkins after being left short by a Mark Stafford back-pass.

In the absence of regular penalty taker Alan Teggart, David Cushley took over the spot kick duties but the big Barbadian keeper atoned by diving to his right to keep out Cushley’s effort.

But the home side did go two ahead with 15 minutes left when Cushley’s inswinging corner was volleyed home from close-range by Shane Dolan.

United were able to comfortably see out the remaining minutes, although Stephen Sheridan headed a good chance wide for the visitors in stoppage time.

Ballymena United : Addis, McCullagh, Munster, Taylor, Stewart, Thompson (sub Davidson 84), Kane, Surgenor, Cushley (sub Lowry 85), Jenkins, Dolan. Subs (not used): Liggett, Taggart, Ruddy.

Ballymena United: Rouse, Beacom, Stafford, Keohane, Kee, Cashel, Hutchinson, McManus (sub Sheridan 71), Lecky (sub Campbell 76), Crawford (sub McCartney 65), Feeney. Subs (not used): McConkey, Currie.

Referee: Andrew Davey (Bangor).