A LATE equaliser from Kevin Kelbie preserved United's unbeaten start to their pre-season campaign as they drew 1-1 at Stranraer on Saturday.

The Scottish striker made it an enjoyable return to his homeland as he headed home Dominic Melly's in-swinging cross with five minutes left to earn the Sky Blues a deserved draw at Stair Park.

The moment was certainly enjoyed by around 200 Ballymena who made the short trip across the Irish Sea.

United fell behind in bizarre circumstances in the 27th minute from a penalty converted by David Hamilton after skipper Albert Watson had been adjudged to have pulled Michael Moore's shirt at a corner.

Referee Jamie Downie didn't spot the initial incident but after having his attention drawn to it by an assistant, awarded the spot kick which was duly tucked into the bottom corner past Stuart Addis.

Both sides struggled to create chances in a scrappy match which had occasional niggly moments, with Ballymena's best effort coming from the unlikely source of right-back Aaron Callaghan who ventured forward before unleashing a 25-yard shot which Stranraer keeper Alan Morrison turned behind.

Another United chance went a-begging on 54 minutes when they were awarded an indirect free kick on the edge of the six-yard box after Morrison had been penalised for picking up a Lee Sharp back-pass.

Darren Fitzgerald tapped the ball to Andrew Rosbotham whose fierce drive cannoned off the defensive wall on the goal-line and Fitzgerald's follow-up effort was smothered by the keeper.

But just as it seemed United's fans would go home disappointed with a defeat, two of their substitutes combined for the equaliser with five minutes left.

Winger Melly, wide in the right, looked to have wasted his chance of getting the ball into the area when he cut back inside onto his less favoured left side but he produced a marvellous left-footed centre which was met by a downward glancing header by Kelbie into the bottom corner, leaving Morrison motionless.

"We had a few chances but our defending at times looked a bit panicky. We gave away a silly corner from which the penalty was awarded although it looked an extraordinarily harsh decision," said manager Tommy Wright.

"But we came back well and dominated the second half and it was a more than useful exercise," he added.

Wright also used all seven outfield subs, including a first appearance for Austin Friel, while reserve team players Gareth McConaghie, Andy Phillips and Gary Baird all got on near the end.

Stranraer: Morrison, Lyle, Gaughan (sub Snowdon 22), Walker, Sharp, Hamilton, Crilly (sub Ramsey 90), Watson (sub McMullen 78), Nicolas, Moore, McGroarty (sub McPhee 78). Subs (not used): Aitken, Wight (GK).

Ballymena United: Addis, Callaghan (sub Simms 81), Boyd (sub McConaghie 79), Patrick (sub Melly 75), Albert Watson (sub Phillips 78), Haveron, Picking (sub Friel 64), Aidan Watson, Brown (sub Baird 88), Fitzgerald (sub Kelbie 64), Rosbotham. Sub (not used): Murphy (GK).

Referee: Jamie Downie.