Almost a fourth for Ballymena as defender Caolan Loughran unleashing a fierce strike from just outside the penalty area which Nathan Gartside does well to tip over for a corner.

How are the visitors not level?

Matthew Shevlin rolls the ball across goal but first Jamie Glackin and then Rhyss Campbell fail to get a clean connection on the ball.

Faud Sule was also on hand with a superb block close to the line.

Yellow card issued to Glenavon’s David McDaid for a foul on Shay McCartan.

Ross Clarke flashes the ball past the goal with a powerful strike after some great play in midfield from Jordan Forsythe.

The second half has started in a lively fashion, just like the first with the exception of a goal.

Lovely idea from Arran Pettifer.

The midfielder threads a clever ball straight through the Carrick defence, but there’s just too much on it for Alex Parsons to reach.

A flash of intent from David Cushley.

He glides past Jonny Addis and decides to take it on from distance, but the strike flies well wide of the far post.

Portadown get proceedings underway in the second half with the sides level.

Charlie Lindsay gets us back underway at the Oval.

No changes for either team during the break.

The second half is underway at Taylors Avenue.

All square - but everything to play for in what’s a feisty but finely balanced game.

The Blues restart the action as Chris McKee gets the second half underway.

No changes from David Healy or Declan Caddell at the break.

Play resumes at the Showgrounds with Calvin McCurry replacing Josh Carson for Ballymena.

Tomas Galvin gets us back underway.

It's been a disastrous couple of minutes for Loughgall just before the interval as Ballymena make it 3-0.

Ryan Nolan diverts a wicked cross from Adam Glenny into his own net to level for Dungannon Swifts.

The ref blows the whistle and brings to an end an entertaining first half.

Portadown made the breakthrough in the 20th minute through Ahu Obhakhan, who pounced after Glenavon keeper Mark Byrne palmed the ball into his direction.

Glenavon then drew level through Harry Murphy. Peter Campbell delivered a pinpoint free0kick onto Murphy’s head at the back post and he powered the ball beyond Aaron McCarey and into the Portadown goal.

Ballymena double their advantage just before the interval through Stephen O'Donnell

Half-time at Loughview Leisure Arena, and it’s been a lively, competitive first 45 mins.

Danny Gibson’s cool finish gave the hosts an early lead, but Luke Conlan’s close-range equaliser means it’s all square at the break.

Both sides have had their chances, and it's still all to play for.

An eventful opening period comes to an end, and it is the home side ahead thanks to a third-minute own-goal from Charles Dunne.

Harry Murphy rises highest to head Glenavon level at Shamrock Park.