Josh Carson's curling free-kick is denied by the crossbar!

Joe Moore's effort from the edge of the box is blocked as Ballymena start to up the tempo.

Jim Ervin makes his second change of the evening with Calvin McCurry on for Andrew Scott.

Jordan Stewart shows quick thinking to rob Luke Conlan near the edge of the box.

The Crues substitute creates space for himself but drags his shot wide of David Odumosu's post, wasting another opportunity for the visitors.

Ahu Obhakhan charges forward before passing back to Ryan Mayse, whose shot is blocked by Josh Carson.

That's the second crucial intervention that Carson has made in the last few minutes.

Luke Conlan enters the action for the Reds, replacing Taylor Steven.

A defensive-minded substitution from Jim Magilton, which may be in response to how well the Crues have done in this second half.

Ryan Mayse's corner is headed away by Josh Carson at the near post as both teams continue to push for an opening goal.

Philip Lowry seizes on a loose ball and unleashes a swerving effort from range, forcing David Odumosu to scramble across his goal.

The shot drifts wide, but the Crues are showing renewed energy since the double substitution, piling pressure on the Reds' defence.

Postpublished at 21:11 Greenwich Mean Time 1 November 2024

21:11 GMT 1 November 2024

Ballymena United 0-0 Portadown

Lewis MacKinnon picks up an injury while trying to stop a Ballymena goalscoring chance and is now receiving treatment.

Jordan Stewart makes an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross to find Jordan Forsythe at the far post.

The Crues midfielder rises well but can't get his effort on target, sending another opportunity wide of David Odumosu's crossbar.

Joe Moore tries to play the ball into the box but Aaron McCarey is alert to the danger and thwarts the chance.

Declan Caddell makes his move from the dugout, introducing fresh legs as the Crues chase an equalizer.

Jordan Stewart and Philip Lowry enter the fray, with Ross Clarke and Harry Jewitt-White making way.

Jordan Forsythe connects with Harry Jewitt-White's driven cross but can only find the side netting from a difficult angle.

The Crues midfielder shows his frustration as another chance to level the match goes begging.

Niall Currie makes his first change of the evening and introduces Ryan Mayse for Paul McElroy.

Can Mayse make an impact against his former club?

Joe Gormley links up with Ryan Curran, whose shot is charged down inside the penalty area.

Rory Hale pounces on the rebound but sees his strike blocked by Lewis Barr and turned behind for a corner. Michael Newberry rises highest from the ensuing set-piece, but the former Linfield defender can't direct his header to the target.

How the Reds haven't doubled their lead from that bit of play is anyone's guess.

Shay McCartan is cautioned by referee Tony Clarke.

There's a pause in proceedings as Lewis Barr requires medical attention.

The towering defender lies on the turf receiving treatment from the physio team, but it looks like he should be able to continue.

Ballymena's defence are caught sleeping with Josh Ukek gaining possession before firing towards goal from a tight angle. Sean O'Neill diverts Ukek's effort with his foot.

Joe Gormley delivers an exquisite cross with the outside of his boot into the six-yard box.

Ryan Curran stretches desperately, but the ball drifts agonizingly beyond his reach, denying the Reds a chance to extend their lead.