Referee Ben McMaster brings to an end a first half that has been high on endeavour but ultimately low on quality.

If it was a boxing match, Ballymena would certainly be ahead on points but neither side has yet been able to deliver the knockout blow.

We're into three minutes of additional time at the end of the first half.

Carrick have a shout for a penalty as David Cushley shoots from 12-yards out.

The ball ricochets off Ciaran Coll's arm but referee Louise Thompson points for a corner. It would have been a harsh call given Coll's close proximity to Cushley.

Postpublished at 15:44 Greenwich Mean Time 15 March

15:44 GMT 15 March

Linfield 0-0 Glenavon

Josh Archer is bundled into the advertising board and looks to be in a bit of discomfort.

It does look like he'll continue but medical attention was briefly required.

Lovely footwork from Ballymena's Patrick McEleney opens up a shooting chance from 25 yards but his very deliberate curling effort for the top corner is a few yards off reaching its target.

Nathan Gartside is the first name in Mark Milligan's book this afternoon as he is cautioned for time wasting.

That would have been something special from Joel Cooper but for a last-ditch challenge from Matthew Snoddy.

Cooper flicked the ball over one Glenavon player, then another and just as he was about to unleash a strike was tackled by Snoddy.

The Blues have began to take control of the game as we approach half-time after a brief period of constant defending.

Jimmy Callacher leaps highest to connect with Jarlath O'Rourke's corner with his header a whisker wide of the left-hand post.

Will Crusaders be made to regret not taking advantage of these chances?

Ben Murdock tries to clear the ball before Jacob Blaney can control the danger, but it takes an awkward bounce and nearly ends up in the back of his own net.

However, stopper Nathan Gartside is alert to the threat and is able to gather the ball.

The pattern of the game appears to have settled somewhat.

Glentoran the main attacking threat and Carrick are playing on the counter-attack. Will there be a goal in the last five minutes of the half?

Jordan Gibson clears Harry Franklin's strike off the line and into the path of stopper Nathan Gartside.

That was a crucial clearance from Gibson to divert Franklin's effort after he had made a promising run into the box.

Callumn Morrison again shows his pace as he beats his man down the right before crossing low and hard into the box.

Glenavon goalkeeper Mark Byrne is quick to react and gathers Morrison's cross, which was just too far in front of the onrushing Josh Archer.

A rare sight of goal for Cliftonville as Luke Conlan's cross goes to the back post where Rory Hale fires goalwards but his effort is blocked by United defender Conor Barr.

The first actual shot on goal comes in the 33rd minute as Josh Archer tries his luck from outside the area.

The Linfield midfielder drags his right-footed strike well wide.

Liam Beckett
Sportsound summariser

Glenavon are moving the ball really well and they look really comfortable.

Chris Shields is dispossessed in a dangerous area as Glenavon almost take advantage.

Peter Campbell looks like he's about to pull the trigger but instead opts for the cut-back, with no Lurgan Blues teammate able to get on the end of it.

That's a let off for Shields and certainly a wasteful opportunity from the visitors.

Joe Crowe goes off for the hosts.

The defender appears to be limping following an earlier challenge. On comes Albert Watson.

Jordan Forsythe nods Ross Clarke's cross from the left wing narrowly wide as Declan Caddell's side continue to dominate.

Ethan Devine fires a long-range shot for Ballymena which Cliftonvile keeper Lewis Ridd opts to parry away.

The ball is worked back to Kian Corbally but his shot is straight at Ridd.

Callumn Morrison gets the ball to feet and takes his man on down the right.

Linfield's January signing from Falkirk produces a fine cross which Barney McKeown has to deal with or Matthew Fitzpatrick would have had a free header.

Over halfway through the first half and still no shots on goal from either side.