MELVYN Logan's new look Ballymena United Thirds opened their IFA Youth League season with a defeat at home to Ballyclare Comrades Colts.

A nervous start saw Ballymena fall behind in the first 15 minutes but as the half progressed United played their way into it and Aaron Harris leveled the score after a shot from outside the box and Gavin Kernohan gave Ballymena the lead when he fired in from 25 yards.

Ballyclare got their second goal after a long clearance wasn't dealt with. Macauley Cairns in the Ballymena goal made two good saves before the half to keep Ballymena on level terms.

There wasn't much between the two teams in the second half until Ballyclare took the lead 20 minutes in. This lifted Ballymena when Conor Ross went close with two good efforts, but Ballymena couldn't get back on level terms.

Ballymena United Thirds: Macauley Cairns, Connor Martin, Craig McDowell, Philip Clements (sub Connor Ross), Justin Sterret (Connel Dooey), Aaron Harris, Dermot McWilliams, Gavin Kernothan, Patrick Deboys (sub Eamonn Kearns), Colin Moore, Leeroy Millar. Sub (not used): Gareth Ewart.

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