Frank-ly, Carson's a star says Roy after Newry win

It was summer signing Rory Carson who drew the comparison with the England midfielder from Ballymena United manager Roy Walker after inspiring the Sky Blues to their first home victory of the season.

The midfielder's 73rd minute goal ensured that United, inside 90 minutes, took more points off Newry than they managed in four meetings last season – and perhaps more tellingly proved that the Sky Blues are now capable of beating the so-called lesser teams, which has been a consistent Achilles heel in recent seasons.

Walker heaped praise on Carson after he stepped off the subs' bench to push United on to victory, not only scoring the winning goal but also winning two penalties, BOTH of which were carelessly squandered, although thankfully not to Ballymena's cost.

"Awareness is the first thing I would say about Rory," enthused Walker.

"If you ever watch Frank Lampard, he has two glances before the ball even arrives at him, one over each shoulder. Rory's very much like that.

"Attacking midfielder isn't his natural position but it's where we want him to play because we see good feet – he's good on the left and the right or through the middle. He's a perceptive footballer with good technique.

"We got the win the hard way - even with the goal I thought the opportunity had passed us by before it finally went in.

"Our goal wasn't under any threat at all in the second half but I was worried we might rue the missed penalties," the manager added.

For Carson, although based in Millisle, the Braid isn't totally unfamiliar territory and he is relishing playing in a town where he already has some roots.

"I'm really enjoying playing for Ballymena. My grandfather and dad were from here, near the Seven Towers roundabout.

"Ballymena is a big footballing town, they get good crowds and they deserve to see a winning team.

"From talking to the lads, we seem to do well against the bigger teams and maybe against the teams we would be expected to have a good chance of beating, we haven't exactly done the business. It's those three bread-and-butter points against teams like Newry which are important.

"We have had a lot of new players in who are starting to bond and I can see us getting better and better," added Carson.

The midfielder's moment of glory came on 73 minutes when he was on hand to fire home through a ruck of players after his initial effort – and several others – were blocked a combination of Newry defenders and keeper Nathan Morley-Hillen.

Carson was also a pivotal figure in the closing stages when firstly he won a soft-looking penalty after referee Stephen Weatherall adjudged he had been fouled by Ross Black. Gary McCutcheon took the spot kick but failed to add to his tally of four goals when the keeper dived to his right to beat out his effort.

Incredibly, Morley-Hillen repeated the dose in the final minute, this time diving to his left to keep out Nathan Hanley's effort after the keeper had flattened Carson on the edge of the penalty area.

Ballymena United: Nelson, Surgenor, Watson, Gage, Stewart, Smith, Taggart (sub Carson 62), Hanley, Murray, McCutcheon, Gibson. Subs (not used): Haveron, Young, McDowell, Dowie.

Newry City: Morley-Hillen, King, Convery, Munster, Black, Rowe (sub Murray 73), Hagan, McDonnell, Davidson (sub Devlin 83), Murphy, Graham (sub Havern 88). Subs (not used): McKevitt, Pedlow.

Referee: Stephen Weatherall (Belfast).