Ballymena United 2, Portadown 1

The winger tucked home his spot kick with three minutes left as United completed a remarkable turnaround.

They had trailed 1-0 at the interval to Darren Murray’s 21st minute goal and were fortunate not to be further adrift after an opening 45 minutes dominated by the visitors.

But Michael McLellan - only signed from the Ports at the weekend - headed United level in the second period before that late penalty drama.

Portadown had the better of the early exchanges with Kevin Braniff forcing Dwayne Nelson to save low to his right.

The Northern Ireland international came even closer on 16 minutes when his shot from the edge of the penalty area came off the inside of the post with Nelson beaten.

Unsurprisingly, Braniff was involved as the Ports took the lead on 21 minutes. His cross from the left was met on the volley by Gary Twigg, forcing a fantastic save from Nelson. Twigg bundled the rebound off the crossbar with Darren Murray side-footing home the loose ball.

The Ports continued to dominate the opening half with full-backs Chris Casement and Johnny Black going close, while Darren Murray headed over from a glorious Braniff cross.

It took Ballymena half an hour to have a sight of goal when Ports keeper David Miskelly misjudged Tony Kane’s right wing cross but Michael Ruddy headed wide at the back post.

Ballymena drew level on 52 minutes when Michael McLellan - a half-time substitute for Alan Davidson - rose to head home Alan Teggart’s corner from close-range.

Portadown should have gone back in front when Murray glanced a header wide from McMahon cross when well-placed.

And Braniff spurned another glorious opening on 67 minutes when, after taking advantage of a slip by Tony Kane, he raced clear on goal but uncharacteristically curled his shot high and wide of the target.

At the other end, Miskelly saved from both Johnny Taylor and Aaron Stewart and then beat out a Tony Kane free kick as Ballymena finished with a flourish.

There was late drama as Ballymena won a penalty when Miskelly brought down McLellan after the keeper had misjudged the bounce of the ball and Alan Teggart tucked the spot kick low into the corner.

Ballymena United: Nelson, Kane, McCullagh, Taylor, Stewart, Thompson, Davidson (sub McLellan 46), Gawley, Teggart, Jenkins, Ruddy. Subs (not used): Taggart, Liggett, Munster, Duffin.

Portadown: Miskelly, Casement, Ramsey, Breen, Friars, Black, McMahon, McCafferty, Braniff, Murray (sub McStay 75), Twigg. Subs (not used): Brennan, Rooney, Mouncey, McConnell.

Referee: Hugh Carvill (Belfast).