UTV Sport - Cliftonville defeated by Ballymena

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Cliftonville defeated by Ballymena

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Ballymena United recorded a surprise victory over Cliftonville, who lost for the first time in 2010.
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Ballymena United 2 - 1 Cliftonville

Ballymena raced out into a 2-0 lead before the Reds had woke up. First Scottish forward Kelbie opened the scoring in the second minute before Surgenor doubled their lead just three minutes later.

For the opener Darren Lockhart split Cliftonville when his ball over the top dropped behind veteran defender Petter Hutton, allowing Kevin Kelbie to get ahead of John Connolly and head over keeper.

The second came when Mark Surgenor smashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net after the Cliftonville defence failed to clear the cross from the right.

The Reds pulled one back after half an hour when Albert Watson headed a George McMullan free kick into his own net. His attempt at a clearance looped over Dwayne Nelson and into the Ballymena net.

In the second half Cliftonville piled on the pressure but they were unable to score past former Dungannon keeper Nelson.

Ex Derry City defender Peter Hutton had two good chances in the 77th minute. Nelson first pushed his header over the bar. The following corner saw Hutton beat Nelson, only for young star Lee Colligan to save United by heading off the line.

Sub Martin Jones had a golden opportunity in injury time but he could only find Connolly's hands with his weak header.


Ballymena United: Dwayne Nelson, Chris Ramsey, Lee Colligan, Gary Haveron, Albert Watson, Aaron Stewart, Michael Smith, Gary Muir, Mark Surgenor, Kevin Kelbie, Darren Lockhart Subs Gavin Taggart, James McLaughlin, David Cushley, Nathan McConnell, Aidan Watson

Cliftonville: John Connolly, Ronan Scannell, Barry Holland, Ciaran Donaghy, George McMullan, Chris Scannell, Ciaran Caldwell, Liam Boyce, Ryan Catney, Mark Clarke, Peter Hutton Subs Liam Fleming, Declan O'Hara, Mark Holland, Ryan Dunlop, Martin Jones

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