Ballymena's win eased the pressure on manager Tommy Wright

Stephen Ferguson hit the Ballymena woodwork in the first half.

Paddy Quinn's poor backpass allowed Darren Fitzgerald to set up Randal Reid for Ballymena's opener on 53 minutes and Mark Picking (67) added the second.

Gary Haveron (71) hit the third from a penalty after Niall Hudson had been adjudged to have fouled Kevin Kelbie. Ray Fitzgerald (79) replied for Newry.

Ferguson's 17th-minute effort rattled the Ballymena woodwork after good work by Richard Clarke.

Andy Crawford then went close for the home side after Lee Patrick had lost possession.

However, Ballymena came more into the game in the second quarter with Aidan Watson in fine form and Mark Picking testing the Newry goalkeeper with a stinging shot.

Quinn's 53rd-minute mistake was the key moment of the game as his backpass went straight to Fitzgerald who unselfishly set up Reid for the opening goal.

Good work by Lee Patrick set up Picking for Ballymena's second goal, with the former Linfield man rounding the keeper and planting the ball into the empty net.

Ballymena appeared fortunate to be awarded their 71st-minute penalty after Hudson's innocuous-looking challenge on Kelbie.

However, Haveron showed no sympathy for the home side by blasting the penalty home and Fitzpatrick's late goal was little consolation for City.