Irish Premiership: Cliftonville 2-1 Ballymena Utd

Goals from Stephen Garrett and Liam Boyce helped to extend Cliftonville's run of successive league wins over struggling Ballymena United to seven.

After 16 minutes, Garrett raced onto Joe Gormley's through ball and shrugged off the challenge of Michael Ruddy before firing into the bottom corner.

David Cushley lashed a great finish across Conor Devlin into the net on 44.

Garrett set up Boyce, who fired through the legs of goalkeeper Stuart Addis for the winner in the 48th minute.

After Garrett's opening goal, Ballymena enjoyed the upper hand for much of the first half, Allan Jenkins being denied by a good save from Devlin.

Cushley did well to squeeze his equaliser inside the post, then Mark Surgenor shot straight at the home keeper and Gary Thompson was also denied.

Boyce was given plenty of space by the visiting defence to find the net three minutes after the interval as the Reds assumed control.

Garrett had chances to extend his tally, with United skipper Jenkins also going close in the latter stages.

Champions Cliftonville move up to fourth position, while Ballymena remain 10th, just four points ahead of bottom club Warrenpoint Town.