LEROY ROVERSOF THE Millar time this Christmas as David’s rising star keeps Ballymena on top

DAVID JEFFREY believes local lad Leroy Millar is proving prophets CAN profit in their own land as on-song Ballymena United celebrated being No1 at Christmas.

Millar headed an unstoppable opener as the league leaders eased four points clear at the top of the table.

The midfielder was also instrumental in

United’s superb second, evading three Ards players in a marauding run to tee up Jude Winchester who swept a low shot past Sam Johnston.

Jeffrey, who saw Johnston save TWO penalties to deny James Knowles and Winchester, inset, in either half, was full of praise for Millar’s display.

He is also delighted the 23-year-old, who hails from the nearby village of Cullybackey, is attracting plaudits in Ballymena’s midfield.

“Leroy’s performance was exceptional,” said Jeffrey. “Maybe some people will start to listen and that includes those who thought it was maybe easy to pick on the hometown boy.

“They say it’s impossible to be a prophet in your own land, but Leroy has been an outstanding player in the making for some time. He was magnificent and produced another gut busting run for his goal which he buried with a fantastic header.

“He also showed real tenacity, skill, strength and pace to tee up Jude.”

On being four points clear at the top, Jeffrey said: “We’re in a nice position, but nobody is getting carried away.”

INSTITUTE boss Paddy Mclaughlin fears Michael Mccrudden will be a wanted man.Mccrudden (inset) hit FOUR in a 6-4 win over 10-man Cliftonville.Mclaughlin joked: “I think I’ll have to move him into my spare room and take the phone off him.”Joe Mccready hit a brace for Stute against a Cliftonville side who saw Brian Neeson red carded. Rory Donnelly bagged a hat-trick and Joe Gormley was on target for Barry Gray’s men. EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE Ballymena Utd’s Leroy Millar celebrates his goal on Saturday much to the delight of David Jeffrey, below