BALLYMENA United Reserves started their defence of the League title in style at home to their Glenavon counterparts.

Taking on Glenavon Reserves for the second time in five days, David Dorrian had a number of first team players at his disposal. With Thomas Wray returning after illness and Liam Mullan available for his first start.

It only took the Sky Blues 14 minutes to open the scoring, as Aidan Watson (pictured) showed neat footwork, only to be chopped down in the penalty area. Watson dusted himself down and converted the resulting penalty.

It was 2-0 just ten minutes later when a great Aaron Stewart cross was headed off the woodwork by Simon Kelly and then tucked away by teenage striker Paul McNeill.

Glenavon to pull one back though on the half-hour when the Glenavon striker was allowed to go in on goal by the referee dispite United's claim for offside and he put the ball past O'Neill in the home goal.

United regained their two goal advantage going into the break on 42 minutes, when Liam Mullan, signed on deadline-day from Larne, scored arguably the best goal of the game.

Cutting inside on his right foot, before unleashing an unstoppable drive from 30 yards past the helpless Paul Rice in the Lurgan Blues' goal.

One of the traits of David Dorrian's side is their determination and relentless attack, this was typified when Ballymena continued to rack in the goals.

On 61 minutes, Daley Carnduff scored number four when he slipped the ball past Rice, after some good work by Thomas Wray.

United got there fifth of the afternoon and their second penalty when the Glenavon defender pulled down goal-bound Lee Colligan on 81 minutes.

The Glenavon player was sent for an early bath by the referee, before Simon Kelly drilled the penalty into the bottom corner.

A good days work was rounded off in the closing minutes when Lee Colligan capitalised on a poor clearance, beat the defender and then slotted the ball past the outrushing goalkeeper to give United a 6-1 opening day win.

Ballymena United Reserves: Sean O'Neill, Thomas Wray, Simon Kelly, Andy Long (sub Lee Colligan 60), Aaron Stewart, Liam Mullan, Aidan Watson, Craig McClean, Aaron Holland, Paul McNeill (sub Richard Reid 70), Daley Carnduff. Sub (not used): Chris Getty.