Ballymena win Europa League race

• Ballymena United 2-1 Glenavon

Ballymena United clinched the final Euro slot following a 2-1 win over Glenavon in the play-off final at The Showgrounds on Friday night.

Manager David Jeffrey billed the clash as the biggest in the club's history with a £200,000 jackpot up for the grabs in the winner takes all encounter.

United will now take their place in the Europa League as they picked the perfect time to clinch their first win over the Lurgan Blues this season.

It was Glenavon who had the better of the opening 45 minutes as they created a number of chances with Joel Cooper, James Gray and Ciaran Martyn going close.

However, Ballymena edged ahead early in the second period with Caithar Friel tapping home his 22nd goal of the season after good work on the left flank by Johnny McMurray.

Back came Glenavon as Rhys Marshall drove the ball home from an Andy Hall corner to make it 1-1.

The decisive moment came on 80 minutes when substitute and former Glenavon striker Kevin Braniff hit the winner to send the home fans into wild celebration in what has been a fantastic season for Ballymena which also includes a League Cup success.