Irish Premiership: Coleraine 2-3 Ballymena Utd

Ballymena secured their first win over Coleraine in 15 attempts with a 3-2 Boxing Day success at Ballycastle Road.

The result, which ended that four-year barren spell, condemned the Bannsiders to their eighth league defeat in a row.

Alan Teggart's cross from the right eluded everyone and found the net on 42 and skipper Allan Jenkins slotted home the second in first-half injury-time.

Gareth Tommons netted after 68, Jenkins scored from close range and then Eoin Bradley fired past Stuart Addis on 74.

Under-pressure Coleraine manager Oran Kearney opted to start with Gregg Shannon in goal in preference to Wayne Drummond, while Addis replaced the injured Dwayne Nelson between the sticks for the Sky Blues.

Kearney was also forced to change his plans prior to kick-off with Michael Hegarty called up from the bench to replace Howard Beverland, who was injured in the pre-match warm-up.

Early in the game, Addis was called upon to deny Stephen Carson, after which play was held up for six minutes while the visiting goalkeeper received treatment for a dislocated finger injury.

Coleraine enjoyed the upper hand for much of the first half and Tommons and Ruairi Harkin squandered scoring chances.

Davy Munster halted Ryan McIlmoyle, Bradley had an effort cleared off the line by Johnny Taylor and Gary Thompson saw his effort blocked by Shannon.

Teggart scored against the run of play and then David Cushley laid the ball off for Jenkins to double the advantage before half-time.

Bradley crossed the ball into the area for Tommons to pounce and score his third goal of the season but their one-goal deficit was shortlived as Jenkins struck from close range after a Teggart assist.

Bradley swivelled before getting his own name on the score-sheet and Hegarty missed a glorious opportunity to equalise after Carson had set him up.

United could have added to their tally but Neil Lowry hit the woodwork.

Glenn Ferguson's side move into sixth position in the Premiership table, while Coleraine drop to 11th, dangerously close to the automatic relegation place.