Francis Murphy scored the only goal at the Showgrounds

United keeper Paul Murphy made a superb save to deny Darren Armour before the visitors scored an 18th minute winner.

An unmarked Francis Murphy headed in from Armour's cross before Philip Matthews kept out Kevin Kelbie's shot. Ballymena squandered a number of second-half chances while John Martin nearly grabbed a second for the Whites.

Stuart King, Gary Haveron and Kelbie were the players to go close for the Sky Blues after the break.

Aaron Callaghan came to United's rescue late in the game when he cleared Martin's header off the line.