Ferguson still waiting for first league win as Ballymena boss

GLENN Ferguson is still searching for his first league win as Ballymena United manager after a last-gasp 2-1 home defeat by Portadown on Tuesday night.

Two goals from Ports midfielder Matthew Paget - the second with just three minutes left - condemned United to their ninth home Carling Premiership of the campaign.

Ballymena went ahead five minutes before the interval thanks to James Costello’s first goal since his summer move from Glenavon.

The big striker reacted quickly to swivel and steer home a shot after his initial header from Rory Carson’s cross was blocked by defender Chris Ramsey.

Ballymena spurned a glorious chance to double their advantage seven minutes into the second period when Alan Teggart’s cross from the left was chested down by Gary McCutcheon but Conor Downey steered his shot off target.

But Portadown fought back and levelled on 65 minutes when Sean Mackle threaded a pass through the United defence for Matthew Paget to run through and steer a low shot past Nelson.

And the visitors grabbed a stunning late winner when Jamie Tomelty’s cross from the left was headed out to Paget, who took a touch before rifling a rising drive past Nelson and into the top corner from 25 yards.

Ballymena United: Nelson, Kane, Munster, Taylor, Black, Carson (sub Surgenor 79), Taggart, Downey, Teggart, McCutcheon, Costello (sub Baker 79). Subs (not used): Stewart, Woods, Rodgers.

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