League Cup SF: Crusaders 0-1 Ballymena

Ballymena are into the Bet McLean League Cup final after a 1-0 win over Crusaders in the semi-final at Seaview.

Leroy Millar struck in the second half to send the Sky Blues into the showpiece for the third consecutive season.

The first half lacked goals, but it was the visitors who looked more comfortable in possession, and created more chances as a result.

James Knowles went close with an early free kick, with Jude Winchester then volleying wide from inside the box.

Stephen McCullough saw his dipping volley sail just over the bar just after the half hour mark, before the Crues managed to carve out a rare chance of their own.

With 39 minutes played David Cushley stole possession from Jonny Addis before squaring it to Ross Clarke, but he dragged his left-footed shot wide of the goal.

Ballymena then almost broke the deadlock through Cathair Friel, but Harry Doherty somehow tipped his header wide on the verge of half time.

It proved to be a sign of things to come, as although the Crues improved after the break, Ballymena looked the much more dangerous side.

In the 68th minute, the pressure finally told; Winchester's cross from the left found the head of Friel, and this time he knocked it across goal where it was met by Leroy Millar, who stabbed the ball beyond Doherty.

Just 5 minutes later, Crusaders had the ball in the net, but Cushley's instinctive finish was ruled out as the ref decided goalkeeper Thomas McDermott had been fouled by Gary Thompson.

Rodney Brown then headed wide from a corner as the home side pushed for an equaliser, with manager Stephen Baxter also choosing to send on Paul Heatley in the 76th minute.

The home side were simply unable to find a way through the Ballymena defence, and the visitors held on for a deserved victory.