Ballymena United stretched their unbeaten Irish Premiership run to six matches after a 0-0 draw with Bangor at the Showgrounds. The Sky Blues had the best chance to break the deadlock when Igor Rutkowski’s fifth-minute penalty was saved by Bangor goalkeeper Gareth Deane. Bangor played the final half-hour with 10 men after Oisin Devlin was sent off for two yellow cards. Next fixture: vs Dungannon Swifts (away, 2026-12-19) (7th in the table).
What happened in the match?
Ballymena were awarded a penalty inside five minutes after Mark Haughey fouled Rutkowski. The striker stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Deane, who dived to his right. Bangor nearly took the lead when Iestyn Hughes set up Reece Neale, whose shot hit the post. Michael Morgan also had a volley land on top of the net as the visitors pressed.
Why did Bangor finish with 10 men?
Midfielder Oisin Devlin was shown a second yellow card just after the hour mark for a clumsy challenge on Jack O’Reilly. Ballymena tried to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but Deane made two more key saves to deny David Toure and Aaron Jarvis. The match ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to secure a win.
What does this mean for the league?
The draw means Ballymena and Bangor cannot catch seventh-placed Carrick Rangers, whose European play-off spot is now confirmed. Ballymena’s next fixture is away against Dungannon Swifts on 19 December 2026, where they will look to extend their unbeaten streak.
