Ballymena beat Cliftonville in League Cup semi-final

Ballymena United set up a League Cup final date with Dungannon Swifts with a comfortable win over Cliftonville at Warden Street.

Conor McDonald had an inviting chance for the Reds, but his left-foot effort flew over.

Jay Donnelly also looked dangerous on 37 minutes, but his shot was saved by Mark Glendinning in the Ballymena goal.

Kevin Braniff had a decent second half opening, but he was unable to find the net as the ball squirmed just wide.

Just after the hour mark, Ballymena's increasing pressure told when they took the lead.

Leroy Millar found the ball at his feet just on the edge of the six-yard box and he poked home to make it 1-0.

As Cliftonville tried to re-group in search of an equalizer, Ballymena made it two.

Anthony Kane met a throw-in and headed home past Reds goalkeeper Brian Neeson.

Jude Winchester pulled one back for Cliftonville late on.

However the Sky Blues then applied the icing on the cake with a late third.

The final is next Saturday 17 February.