Paul Muir's 76th-minute header proved enough to give Ballymena the bragging rights and a narrow win in their derby battle away to Coleraine.
Muir got on the end of substitute Mark Picking's corner to score his third goal since returning to his hometown club from Lisburn Distillery.
The win takes United further away from the danger zone - they are now nine points clear of one-from-bottom Newry.
David Cushley and Michael Smith had shots go off target for Ballymena.
After the break, home keeper David O'Hare made a good tip-over save to deny Sky Blues striker Kevin Kelbie.
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