Cracking result for Sky Blues

Institute 1 Ballymena United 2

BALLYMENA United boss David Jeffrey insists “cracking Europe” remains his No1 focus with the final straight of the title race looming.

Steven Mccullough and Cathair Friel were both on target as the Braidmen stayed hot on the heels of leaders Linfield with a 2-1 win at Institute.

Victory keeps United six points off the Blues with a game in hand, although Jeffrey was just as pleased to extend the gap on third-placed Crusaders, who lost 1-0 at Dungannon.

With second place guaranteeing a Europa League spot, Ballymena now boast a six point advantage over the Crues with a game in hand.

“Our aim at the start of the season was top six and trying to crack Europe,” said Jeffrey. “We’ve secured top six and now let’s see where we can go from there.

“People say we’re chasing Linfield, but the reality is there’s a long way to go and we haven’t done any talking in terms of challenging. We didn’t want the gap to Linfield getting any bigger, but equally the challenge was trying to improve our position over Crusaders.”

Elsewhere, Conor Mcmenamin was on target as new Cliftonville boss Paddy Mclaughlin got his reign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Newry City at Solitude.

Glenavon beat Ards 2-0 with goals from Cameron Stewart and Conor Mccloskey, while Glentoran battered Warrenpoint Town 5-0. Darren Murray and Lukasz Gwiazda bagged a brace apiece while Warrenpoint, who scored an own goal, saw Ciaran O’connor and Fra Mccaffrey red carded before the break.

A FRIEL GOOD FACTOR Cathair Friel after his goal