Goals from David Rainey and Colin Coates saw Crusaders take full points as Ballymena ended with nine men.
Rainey curled the ball round goalkeeper Sean O'Neill into the top corner after 19 minutes as the Crues dominated.
Albert Watson headed in from a Philip Carson free-kick on 36 minutes but O'Neill was sent-off for an off-the-ball clash with Eamon Doherty after 42.
Aidan Watson was dismissed after a late challenge on 51 and then Coates headed firmly past Mark Surgenor on 66.
Chris Keenan saved bravely at the feet of George Stewart in the opening minutes of the game before Rainey broke the deadlock.
Gareth McKeown twice went close with long-range efforts and Ross Arthur stabbed the ball past the post as Stephen Baxter's side pressed for a second.
Albert Watson's header levelled the scores but goalkeeper O'Neill's dismissal came as a major setback for United.
Aidan Watson received his second yellow card after the break while stand-in keeper Surgenor made a fine double save from Rainey.
Coates scored the winner from a Martin Donnelly cross while, at the other end, Keenan saved Andy Smith's header on the line.
Donnelly passed up a chance to increase his side's advantage when he blasted a late penalty over the bar.
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