IRISH LEAGUE: Stoppage time Ballinamallard penalty condemns Ballymena United to defeat

Ballymena United defender Nathan Hanley battles for the ball with Ballinamallard's Ivan Sproule during today's Danske Bank Premiership game at the Showgrounds. Picture: Press Eye.

Ballymena United's hopes of securing a European play-off spot suffered a blow as they suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Ballinamallard United.

Stephen O’Flynn’s stoppage time penalty earned the Fermanagh side their first ever victory at the Showgrounds as they recorded a vital three points in the battle against relegation.

Ballinamallard came close to opening the scoring on 13 minutes when Adam Leckey flashed a near post header just wide from Cathal Beacom’s corner.

Leckey’s height made him an obvious target from set pieces and the midfielder got on the end of a Shane McCabe free kick with his glancing header forcing Alan Blayney to dive full length to his left to save.

Jonny Lefferty then fired a sizzling shot just over as Ballinamallard attenpted to turn their early pressure into a goal.

Ballymena’s first real opening didn’t come until the 24th minute when Willie Faulkner broke clear into the penalty area but just as the winger was taking aim, he was denied by a timely full stretch tackle from covering left-back David Elliott at the expense of a corner.

The rest of the opening half was played in a lull as both teams struggled to cope wioth a swirling wind and a rock-hard, patchy playing surface.