United and Glebe draw some comforts

Work commitments prevented Gaston from taking the reins but the team was in safe hands as assistant boss Ronnie McDowell took charge of the match at the Riada.

Gavin Gilmore struck an equaliser midway through the second half to earn his side a 1-1 draw with the Championship 2 leaders.

Gaston has set his sights on a finish in the top eight.

He said: “It was a good result and a good point. The two centre-halves (Chris Wilkinson and Gareth Hill) were excellent.

“(Hopefully) we can get in the top of the table.” On Satutrday Coagh started on the back foot. United’s Mark Gillan and Ian Christie taunted the Coagh back line for the first ten minutes but could not find a way past the Coagh keeper. Coagh slowly got to grips with the big pitch but the home side always looked dangerous on the break and Coagh goalie Yorke had to save twice from Ian Christie. Coagh were rewarded on the half hour with a well taken goal. Ballymoney lost the ball during an attack, Coagh broke with Campbell, Black and Donaldson in a sweeping move which was finished off with Donaldson shooting from the edge of the box which came off the crossbar and bounced over the line.

Ballymoney got back on level terms after Coagh lost possession in the middle of the park.

Mark Gillan ran clear but was fouled in the box. Referee Des Loughery played an excellent advantage and the ball fell for Gavin Gilmore who fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

Ballymoney United: Bryan Moore, Chris Getty, Kyle Buckley (Colm Kirgan), Chris Wilkinson, Gareth Hill, Gavin Gilmore, Francis McKenna, Hugh Og Boyle, Ian Christie, Benny Megarry, Daniel Laverty, Duane Scott.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday night (20 March) United beat Killymoon Rangers 1-0 moving them up to ninth in Championship Two.

Elsewhere, Glebe Rangers also drew on Saturday when they visited Bangor. Glebe kept another clean sheet (0-0) as they battled for survival in Championship One but missed out on a valuable three points as they sit second bottom.