Lowry keeps Blues on course

It was by no means a classic encounter but at this stage of the season it is points rather than performance that matters and Lowry's fifth goal in seven league games proved crucial.

The all important goal came on 50 minutes, just when the home fans were getting a little restless after a subdued first half. Lowry played a great one two with William Murphy and when the ball came back to him he struck it sweetly past the keeper.

Ballymena certainly proved a handful and they had several half chances during the game with Andy Smith and Gary Haveron going close.

Once they had the lead the Blues searched for a second through Jamie Mulgrew and Paul Munster but in the end they had to settle for just the one.

The Blues are at home to Glenavon on Tuesday night and then back in action again on Friday night at Institute - the game in hand.

LISBURN DISTILLERY 2 CRUSADERS 2

The Distillery comeback continued at the weekend as they came from two down to snatch another brilliant point at New Grosvenor.

Goals from Jordan Owens and Ross Arthurs had the visitors in a commanding position after 35 minutes, but the Whites showed their fighting qualities.

Glenn Ferguson scored a vital goal three minutes before the break which lifted morale and Gary Browne thought he had levelled soon after the restart but the ref ruled the ball had not crossed the line.

However, it was all square on 65 minutes when defender Paul Muir got on the end of a Kilmartin cross to beat Keenan in the Crues goal.

With Institute falling at home to Glenavon it now means the Whites are just two behind the Drumahoe side.

The Whites are at home to Newry City on Tuesday night.