Ballymena United 4, Ards 2

The Sky Blues lifted themselves further away from the relegation scrap at the foot of the Danske Bank Premiership after overcoming a stubborn Ards outfit who had battled back from two down to score twice inside two minutes near the end of the first half.

There was early controversy as a long ball from United bounced over the Ards defence and as Allan Jenkins attempted to head over the advancing Graeme McKibbin, the Ards keeper caught the ball outside his penalty area.

Referee Steven Wallace took his time and, perhaps mindful of two Ards defenders between the incident and the goal-line opted to show the goalkeeper a yellow card, to the disgust of the home support.

Ards’ let-off was short-lived, however, as from the resultant free kick, David Cushley’s low shot cannoned off a defender and looped high into the net.

James Cully curled an effort wide for Ards, while United left-back Aaron Stewart produced a barnstorming run and dangerous cross, which was headed behind by defender Steven McCullough.

From a quick Ards counter-attack Mark McClelland crossed from the left and with Andrew Mitchell poised to shoot, Tony Kane produced a marvellous covering tackle to nick the ball off the striker’s toe.

United came close to a second when, during a goalmouth scramble, defender Johnny Taylor’s goalbound effort was deflected past the post by the foot of keeper McKibbin.

The home side did double their account, however, on 36 minutes when Gary Thompson picked up the ball in the centre circle and ran forward before rifling a shot into the bottom corner - a virtual carbon copy of his goal in midweek against Portadown.

But the game turned on its head completely in a manic two minute spell close to half-time.

On 41 minutes, Neil Dougan on the left passed the ball inside to Willie Faulkner, who side-stepped a defender before firing a low shot across Addis.

And less than 60 seconds later, the County Down side were level as Dougan punished some shoddy Ballymena defending by beating Addis with an overhead kick from close range.

The second half was no less relentless with Davy Munster’s header being deflected off the goal-line, while Ards sub Steven Gordon’s strong run down the left ended with him shooting across the face of goal.

Mark Surgenor then played a neat one-two with Jenkins but could only steer his snap-shot narrowly wide.

Ballymena regained the lead on 61 minutes when Jenkins laid the ball off for Gary Thompson to drill home a low shot from 25 yards.

Ards continued to look menacing with Addis diving full length to his left to palm Faulkner’s shot behind, while Andy Mitchell’s fierce shot struck the side netting.

But substitute Michael Ruddy put the outcome beyond doubt in the last minute, turning home Gary Liggett’s low cross at the back post for his first senior goal for the club.

Ballymena United: Addis, McCullagh, Munster, Taylor, Stewart, Surgenor (sub Dolan 63), Thompson, Kane, Cushley (sub Liggett 77), Jenkins, Teggart (sub Ruddy 84). Subs (not used): Davidson, Duffin.

Ards: McKibbin, Hall (sub Gordon 5), Hunter, Spence, McCullough, Faukner, Cully (sub Henderson 61), McMillen, Mitchell, McClelland, Dougan (sub Roy 73). Subs (not used): Smith, Davidson.

Referee: Steven Wallace (Londonderry).