Crusaders make their first chance as Stewart Nixon replaces Jordan Stewart.

There's also activity on the Ballymena bench as Alex Gawne comes on for Andy Scott.

Jamie Mulgrew is clattered by Conor Pepper in the middle of the park, who is shown a yellow card by referee Shane Andrews for his late tackle.

Ballymena boss Jim Ervin responds to that Crusaders goal by making a double change, bringing on Joe Moore and Ethan Devine in place of Calvin McCurry and Johnny McMurray.

On the hour mark, Stephen McDonnell has went to his bench for the first time and throws on two forwards in Keith Ward and Chris Atherton.

They replace David Toure and Michael O'Connor.

A blow for Glentoran as captain Marcus Kane hobbles off to be replaced by Kodi Lyons-Foster.

Double chance for Linfield as Ethan McGee and Jamie Mulgrew are introduced with Joel Cooper and Kyle McClean the players being withdrawn.

Jim Magilton also makes a change of his own as Ryan Corrigan comes on for Arran Pettifer.

22 minutes left on the clock.

Rodney McAree turns to his bench and introduces Leo Alves and James Knowles for Bobby Jack McAleese and Kealan Dillon.

A change apiece just after the hour mark.

Rhyss Campbell replaces Corey Smith for Coleraine while Djair Parfitt comes on for Dylan Connolly for the visitors.

As expected, the ten men of Carrick are on the back foot and it takes a brave block from Ben Buchanan-Rolleston to deny Niall Quinn from inside the box.

They are also drawing the ire of the home support as they are not exactly in a rush to take throw ins and goal kicks!

An incisive Crusaders counter-attack is patiently worked to left-back Jarlath O'Rourke, whose right footed effort crashes off the crossbar with Sean O'Neill well beaten.

That's twice the home side has struck the woodwork today.

The visitors once again come close to drawing level as Joe Gormley's volley at full stretch flies just wide of the far upright.

It was a tricky chance for Gormley, who does well to manoeuvre his body into a shotting position but is unable to keep his effort on target.

An hour gone at the Showgrounds where Declan Devine's team continue to hold a slender lead.

A great chance for Crusaders as Johnny McMurray hesitates deep inside his own half and Jacob Blaney intercepts before standing up a cross to the back post.

It's met by a firm header from Harry Franklin but Ballymena keeper Sean O'Neill is alert to tip the effort over the bar.

It's been all Cliftonville this half but Linfield come millimetres from doubling their lead!

Matthew Fitzpatrick initial strike is well saved by David Odumosu, before the Reds 'keeper makes another superb stop to deny Fitzpatrick on the follow up.

What a vital double save that could prove to be!

Andrew Mitchell whips the ball into the box from the left wing for John McGovern, who fails to make a clean connection with the ball.

McGovern will be disappointed he didn't bundle that home.

Crusaders' Kieran Offord spots Ballymena keeper Sean O'Neill out of position and tries his luck towards an unguarded goal.

Unlike his terrific finish in similar circumstances at Larne last week, this time it's off-target but full marks to the Scottish striker for his ingenuity.

Liam Beckett
Sportsound summariser

Cliftonville have started the second half the way they ended the first - their possession is excellent.

However, it's about goals and points on the board.