Glentoran 0
Ballymena United 0
League (NIFL Premiership)

Match Report

BALLYMENA United were unfortunate not come away from East Belfast with all three points on Saturday as they played out a 0-0 draw with Glentoran at the Oval.

The opening period was a quiet affair with few clear cut chances, in fact it took almost 20 minutes for either side to register a meaningful effort on goal, Dwayne Nelson diving acrobatically to palm David Scullion's rasping effort out for a corner. United were next to threaten, a superb cross from Tony Kane was headed well wide by striker Gary Liggett. Moments later Liggett almost turned provider but his cushioned header across goal was somehow headed straight at Glentoran goalkeeper Elliot Morris from all of three yards by Alan Teggart.

The Sky Blues should have taken the lead on the stroke of half time but Michael McLellan dragged his effort well wide when in acres of space in the Glentoran box. United began the second half in similar fashion, Gary Liggett was unlucky not to be celebrating after his powerful effort on the turn from in excess 30 yards flew just over the frame of the goal. Moments later Alan Teggart went agonisingly close as he cut in from the left and curled a shot inches wide of Elliot Morris' far post.

Michael McLellan was next to threaten for United, but his 20 yard effort was well held by the impressive Morris. You just sensed it wasn't going to be Ballymena's day when defender Tony Kane went on a surging run in an attempt to repeat his heroics on his last visit to the Oval, but this time his delightful chip from the edge of the box was met by the fingertips of man of the match Elliot Morris. Deep in injury time Glentoran finally mustered a real goalscoring opportunity, but a heroic last ditch block from Johnny Taylor prevented David Scullion from giving his side a wholly undeserved victory.

There is no let up in the action for the Sky Blues who begin their defence of the County Antrim Shield at home to Donegal Celtic this Tuesday evening (7.45pm).

Match report written by Jordan Miller