On a rainy evening at the Ballymena Showgrounds, Ballymena United clashed with their derby rivals, Coleraine, in a match that lived up to its intense billing. The crowd was electric, with chants ringing through the stands as both sets of fans were eager for victory.

The match started with a flurry of activity, but it was Coleraine that drew first blood, scoring in the 23rd minute with a well-placed header from a corner. However, Ballymena did not let this setback deter them. The home side fought back vigorously, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

D. Ebbe, who has been in excellent form lately, equalised for Ballymena United just before halftime, slotting home a precise shot after a beautiful build-up play. The second half continued with end-to-end action as both teams pressed for the winning goal. Ballymena's David Breen made several key saves to keep the game level, while Coleraine's goalkeeper was equally impressive.

In the dying minutes, Ballymena thought they had secured the win, but an offside call thwarted their last effort. The match ended 1-1, leaving both teams with a point, but for Ballymena United, there are plenty of positives to build on. Their fighting spirit against a fierce rival sets them up well for the upcoming fixtures.