Darren Fitzgerald scored for Ballymena United in the first half

Having recorded their first away win of the season against Larne, Sky Blues manager Tommy Wright kept faith with the same team.

That paid off as Darren Fitzgerald, keeping top scorer Kevin Kelbie on the bench, got the all-important goal.

Fitzgerald shot past Celtic keeper Declan Brown on 21 minutes after a fine through ball from Mark Picking.

Ballymena striker Randal Reid had a header cleared off the line while Gary Haveron went close with two long-range free-kicks.

The result leaves Donegal Celtic, promoted last season, with just one win from 12 Premier League matches.