However United's very poor record of four points out of twelve from fixtures against the bottom four sides mean that the Braidmen can only finish sixth in the Irish League at best this season.

It was a valuable point for the Londonderry side though, as it moves them away from the foot of the Carnegie Premier League table.

The visitors failed to make much of an impression in the first half and went behind in the 28th minute at Drumahoe when Ruari Boyle's effort wasn't cleared and Ryan McCreadie found time to turn and fire 'Stute into the lead.

Last week's two goal hero, Thomas Wray came closest to equalising in the first half when his effort forced a mistake out of the goalkeeper, with only Ruari Boyle's goal-line clearance preventing the sides going level.

Manager Tommy Wright hauled striker Michael Ward off before the break, and replaced him with the lively teenager Paul McNeill. It took only three minutes for the travelling Braidmen to restore parity in the game when Stuart King's audacious effort from 30 yards took a wicked deflection off Institute captain, David Ogilby and flew past Alan Ryan.

This was only the transfer-listed winger's third goal of the season, ironically coming in the city where he grew up.

Ballymena started the pile on the pressure in the second half, but just couldn't find a way to goal. Paul McNeill wasn't quick enough to react to a loose ball with the goal gaping.

The same player also forced a good save out of Ryan in the home goal, but it was John Gregg's side that nearly stole all three points when Greame Philson's header from a corner was turned onto the bar by the United defence.

The sides had to settle for a point in the end, as the United boss, Tommy Wright told the Sunday Life if could have been three.

"I felt we were the better side and should have won the game particularly with our second half performance where I think we had two efforts cleared off the line and also had a few other chances.

"We didn't do badly in the first half but our Achilles heel came back to haunt us as we conceded a goal from a set play."

The Sky Blues travel to Newry City next Saturday for the final game of the Carnegie Premier League season, with the winner almost certainly being guaranteed sixth place in the table.