 George McMullan went close to scoring for Cliftonville |
Goals from Sean Cleary and Mark Holland either side of half-time gave Cliftonville an encouraging away win. Cleary grabbed the opener on 44 minutes with a low shot from 20 yards out after Gary Smyth cleared Sean Friars' left wing cross into the path of the scorer.
A minute after the break, Mark Holland converted John O'Loughlin's cross from the right with a close range finish.
Gary Kennedy and Friars went close to extending the lead while Gary Smyth and Gordon Simms had chances for Ballymena.
Smyth headed over the bar while substitute Simms' headed effort went wide of the post.
Chances were at a premium in the first half and neither side troubled the opposition keeper.
Garth Scates shot over the bar for United and George McMullan headed wide of the target for the Reds.
MMIX
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