91�ȱ�

First-half goals from David Cushley and Allan Jenkins saw Ballymena United beat Warrenpoint Town at Stangmore Park.

Cushley found the net with a left-foot curling effort from the edge of the box for his fourth goal in four games in the 28th minute.

Sean Parr was harshly sent-off for a second yellow card five minutes later.

Jenkins slotted home after an assist by Cushley a minute before the break to make it three wins from three matches in all competitions for the Sky Blues.

The visitors were hoping to exact revenge for a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Premiership new boys at the Showgrounds in September but it was the hosts who created the better early chances.

Daniel Hughes spurned two good opportunities, with just the goalkeeper to beat on both occasions.

United gained the upper hand and took a 2-0 lead, while Warrenpoint were unable to reply despite enjoying the better of the second half.

Ballymena leapfrog derby rivals Coleraine to move into ninth place in the Premiership table, while Warrenpoint remain rooted to the bottom.