A SERIOUS injury to Stuart King put a dampener on the occasion as Ballymena United drew 0-0 with Motherwell in Nigel Boyd's testimonial.

The winger sustained a suspected fractured wrist after falling awkwardly following a block tackle with 'Well's Kevin McBride in the second half of an uninspiring pre-season friendly at the Showgrounds.

"It looks pretty bad and it might even require an operation which is a terrible blow for Stuarty and I'm really disappointed for him," admitted manager Tommy Wright.

"Gary Haveron may also have a broken toe while Aidan Watson came off, purely as a precaution, with an ankle injury - we won't take any risks with players at this stage of pre-season."

Despite the injury setbacks, Wright was delighted with his side's application against their Scottish Premier League visitors.

"I thought that was probably as well as we played since I came here. I felt we were totally in control and limited them to maybe a chance in each half."

Chances were few and far between as the sides toiled in sweltering conditions, with Aidan Watson's 12th minute free kick turned around the post by Graeme Smith, while Motherwell's best effort fell to David Clarkson who burst into the box but United keeper Paul Murphy was quickly off his line to brilliantly divert the striker's effort wide.

The Sky Blues did have the ball in the net on 51 minutes when Gary Haveron headed home a Mark Picking corner but Haveron was adjudged to have fouled an opponent in jumping for the ball and the effort was chalked off.

Before the game, Nigel Boyd was given a 'guard of honour' onto the pitch by players from both sides, while an excellent home crowd cheered their appreciation for the Cullybackey man's efforts over 11 seasons at the Showgrounds.

Ballymena United: Murphy, Callaghan, Boyd (sub McClean 85), Patrick, Albert Watson, Simms, Picking (sub Melly 76), Aidan Watson (sub Haveron 46), Brown (sub Reid 87), Kelbie (sub Fitzgerald 82), King (sub Rosbotham 71). Subs (not used): Addis, McConaghie.

Motherwell: Smith, Quinn, Paterson, McLean, Craigan, McBride, Kerr, O'Donnell (sub Fagan 68), Foran (sub McGarry 74), Hamilton (sub McDonald 51), Clarkson (sub McCormack 72). Subs (not used): Meldrum, Donnelly, Forbes, Connolly, Coakley.

Referee: Colin Burns (Belfast).