Curtis Allen’s eighth goal of the season was enough to move Lisburn Distillery into third place at a windy and wet New Grosvenor. “At half-time I asked for a change in what were doing and we did better in the second-half,” said boss Paul Kirk.

“It’s all about winning at this stage and I am delighted that we done that.

“It’s another clean sheet. I have been hard on my defenders in terms of conceding silly goals and sloppy goals but I can’t argue with what they are giving me now so well played the back-line and well played Curtis!"

The first half, played in tricky conditions had plenty of endeavour but no end product.

United dominated things in terms of possession and whilst an in-form Kevin Kelbie was unable to add to his recent tally of recent weeks, he looked United’s best outlet in terms of goals.

Home keeper Phil Matthews made a comfortable stop from the Scotsman before the Whites' custodian made the save of the half on 34 minutes. Once again, Kelbie was involved — Albert Watson’s free-kick was headed on by Teggart, Kelbie took the ball wide of right back Gregg Hall and fired goalward from 12 yards out. Matthews though blocked the shot with his legs.

The home side got the winner on 74 minutes.

United keeper Alan Blayney had just tipped over an Allen free-kick, the corner came in to the near post, it was cleared but ran to Allen who cracked a low drive into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

“It wasn’t a day that we got a wee break — the goal we gave away was maybe a bit disappointing but these things happen,” said defeated Ballymena boss Roy Walker.

“I see things that we can improve on but we are coming on strongly.”

DISTILLERY: Matthews 7, Hall 7, Buchanan 7, Magee 7, McShane 7, Cooling 6 (B.Browne 90), R.McCann 6, G.Muir 6 (Kingsberry 69, 5) Kilmartin 7, G.Browne 6 (Armour 65, 6), Allen 7. Subs not used: Hamilton, Shaw.

BALLYMENA: Blayney 7, Aiden Watson 7, Colligan 6, Haveron 7, Albert Watson 6, Mullan 7 (Picking 76, 5), McDonnell 6, Melaugh 6, Teggart 5 (Ward 46, 5), Kelbie 7, King 6. Subs not used: Stewart, Cushley, O’Neill.

REFEREE: Mark Courtney (Dungannon) 7