Derby spoils shared at Showgrounds

Ballymena United and Coleraine could not be separated in Tuesday night's derby clash which ended 1-1 The Showgrounds.

Third placed Coleraine were heading for all three points thanks to a first half Eoin Bradley goal, but with just 12 minutes left Johnny McMurray conjured up an equaliser for David Jeffrey's side.

Before the game a minute's silence was held as a mark of respect for Derry City captain Ryan McBride who sadly died earlier this week.

The visitors took the lead on 28 minutes after Bradley won a penalty, keeper Tim Allen made an initial save from the spot kick but Bradley was quick to pounce on the rebound to put his side ahead.

Just before the break Tony Kane came close to finding an equaliser with a free kick that smashed off the woodwork.

There was little between the sides in an entertaining second half, Coleraine unable to find a second crucial goal while United were always in the game and they were finally rewarded on 78 minutes when McMurray nodded in from a corner to leave it all square at the end of 90 minutes.