This was Ballymena United's last pre-season friendly before the start of the competitive season against Linfield at Windsor Park in seven days time.

The game coinsided with United's annual Open Day, letting the public into the Showgrounds too see the Sky Blues in action for free - however the first half showing wasn't going to win too many new fans over.

Ballymena started brightly though, as in as early as the 9th minute, Craig McClean had a chance saved by former Larne goalkeeper, Keith Wilson.

Four minutes later Paul Brown forced and excellent instinctive save from the Wakehurst custodian, as his powerful downward header was turned away at the foot of the post.

Wakehurst continued to press and shocked the Sky Blues when Steven McIlroy, rifled an unstoppable shot into Sean O'Neill's far corner - to give the Second Division side the lead on 37 minutes.

United woke up and Simon Kelly had a good chance well saved by Wilson, and a minute later Fitzgerald struck the post with the goal begging.

Wright made a host of subsitutions at the interval, and a rejuvinated United came out and punished Wakehurst - as on 52 minutes Paul Brown equalised as he headed home an excellent cross from the left by Stuart King.

The substitutions took the sting out of the game which had been quite competitive for the first hour - however it was one of Wright's substitutes that killed the game off. King crossed again from the left and some excellent control from Randal Reid allowed the Randalstown striker to beat his man before placing the ball into the bottom corner from close range.

There was no way back for former Ballymena striker Neil Candlish now, as the Wakehurst boss seen his side concede a third four minutes from time as substitute Johnny Flynn headed home the third goal to seal a United victory.

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