Ballymena put six past Ards in home win

David Jeffrey's Ballymena side took a home win over Ards. Credit: Pacemaker

  • Ballymena 6 - 3 Ards

David Jeffrey's Ballymena United came away victorious from a goal-filled clash with Ards at the Showgrounds.

Ballymena took the lead on 17 minutes, with Gary Thompson scoring with a well-taken effort – his first league goal for Ballymena since he netted against Cliftonville in December 2015.

Andrew Burns than made it 2-0, but Ards were back in the affair 10 minutes before the break.

Captain Gareth Tommons smashed a well-controlled volley beyond the Sky Blues goalkeeper.

Seven minutes into the second half, it was 3-1 to the home side though.

Gareth Tommons was among the scorers for Ards. Credit: Pacemaker

Leroy Millar’s free-kick was met by Cathair Friel who headed home to extend Ballymena’s lead.

And Ards’ misery deepened when Joe McKinney scored against his former club with 14 minutes left.

But Ballymena were stunned as Ards then netted twice in two minutes to pull themselves back within a goal.

Reece Glendinning thumped one home on 79 minutes and, barely 60 seconds later, the north Down side were awarded a penalty only for Michael Ruddy to step up and score.

However, the goals kept coming and Ballymena forged further ahead - going 5-3 up when Leroy Millar restored the two goal-cushion.

Kevin Braniff then wrapped things up on 88 minutes, with the home side's sixth - scoring the goal after the award of the penalty kick.

Gary Thompson celebrates his goal for Ballymena. Credit: Pacemaker