United fielded a very strong team at the home of Ards Rangers, lying beside the ruins of the old Castlereagh Park - former home of todays opponents. In fact, this was Ballymena's first game in Newtonards since April 1998.

Both sides battled hard from the start, without creating many clear-cut chances.

The first real chance came after 20 minutes when Ards' Craig McMillan had a headed attempt well saved by Paul Murphy in the United goal.

The visitors came close to opening the scoring when Craig McClean's inswinging cross was powerfully met by the head of lone striker Randal Reid. However, the reflexes of former Larne and Glenavon goalkeeper - Andy McDonald.

The Sky Blues were enjoying their best spell of the game and just after the half hour, Tommy Wright's side carved out another chance. Randal Reid chased down the ball after Darren Nixon was letting it role out for a goal-kick, and he pulled the ball back into a crowded area which caused a scramble for the ball - Simon Kelly's attempt from the loose ball ended outside of the ground.

Former United reserve striker Ricky Billings had a snapshot which nearly caught Murphy unaware on 42 minutes, and on the stroke of half time McMillen again forced a save out of the Dundalk net minder.

Wright made a host of substitutions at half-time bringing on four players including Liam Mullan, who was an integral part of Larne's team last season - who playing on the left wing for the second half.

Ards dominated the second half and it was one of their interval replacements - Justin McBride, formerly with United. Who forced another save from Murphy who had to parry the ball away.

McBride turned provider this time as he lobbed a beautiful ball over the head of Wray and Johnny Shaw's half-volley just went wide of the target.

Shaw got his goal a few moments later when a comedy of errors, allowed Shaw to latch onto McConaghie's backpass and waltz through to slot the ball into an open net on 68 minutes.

Paudie Hearty came on and forced a save out of McDonald, but he was by far the quieter of the two goalkeepers in the second half.

Ards continued to press, but they held out and it was Tommy Kincaid's side that took the victory - in what will be a major confidence boost ahead of their First Division campaign.

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