Glentoran 0, Ballymena United 0

Ballymena United keeper Dwayne Nelson attempts to catch a cross during today's game against Glentoran at the Oval. Picture: Press Eye.

But Glenn Ferguson’s side will probably feel disappointed they didn’t extend their recent outstanding record at the Oval after dominating the majority of the chances in a largely uninspiring encounter.

Ballymena wasted a glorious early opening when Tony Kane’s deep free kick drifted all the way to the back post where his full-back partner Michael Ruddy was unable to convert when well placed.

At the other end, Gletoran’s best early opening saw David Scullion’s curling 25-yard shot acrobatically tipped over the bar by United keeper Dwayne Nelson.

Ballymena fashioned another decent opening on 27 minutes as Michael McLellan’s cross from the right was nodded down by Gary Liggett but the in-rushing Alan Teggart could only head tamely at keeper Elliott Morris.

With chances few and far between, Gary Liggett came close to opening the scoring in spectacular fashion five minutes into the second half when Liggett turned and fired a shot from 25 yards which went narrowly over the bar.

Alan Teggart was next to threaten the Glentoran goal when he cut inside onto his less favoured right foot and curled a shot inches beyond the far post.

Michael McLellan then forced Glens keeper Morris into his first meaningful action as he beat away the striker’s 25-yard shot.

And the Glens keeper had to be at his best again to tip over Tony Kane’s delightful chip after the adventurous full-back had set off on a buccaneering run from inside his own half.

Glentoran almost grabbed a last-gasp winner in stoppage time when substitute Jordan Hughes fired through Nelson’s legs but Johnny Tyalor was on hand to block on the goal-line and the big defender threw himself in front of the ball to prevent Aaron Boyd from forcing home the rebound.

Glentoran: Morris, O’Neill, Hill (sub Kane 54), Magee, Addis, M Clarke, Howland (sub R Clarke 66), McAlorum, Scullion, Boyd, Miskimmin (sub Hughes 73). Subs (not used): Callacher, O’Hanlon.

Ballymena United: Nelson, Kane, McCullagh, Taylor, Ruddy, Stewart, Thompson, Teggart, Liggett (sub Dolan 79), Cushley (sub Davidson 73), McLellan (sub Lowry 68). Subs (not used): Taggart, Munster.

Referee: Colin Burns (Comber).

* See Tuesday’s Ballymena Times for reaction and analysis.