Ballymena beat Runavik to take control of Europa League tie

Ballymena United beat NSI Runavik 2-0 as the Showgrounds hosted European football for the first time in 15 years.

Leroy Millar's neat finish put them ahead early in the second half, before Jude Winchester's superb long-range strike doubled their advantage.

It means David Jeffrey's side will take a commanding lead back to the Faroe Islands for the return leg, with Swedish side Malmo awaiting the eventual winners in the next round.

The home side started brightly as Winchester twice found Adam Lecky in the early spells of play, but the big striker saw his low shot turned wide, and he then headed over the bar.

The visitors then came within inches of scoring in the 14th minute, but Ross Glendinning pulled off a superb save to turn a powerful strike over his crossbar.

Ballymena began to increase the pressure as Cathair Friel tested the keeper from distance with 30 minutes played, and Millar forced a smart stop with a low shot from inside the box several minutes later.

It was a first half typical of this stage of the competition, as two unfamilair sides played things safe, for the most part.

However, 4 minutes into the second half everything changed, as Ballymena's ambitious start to the period paid off almost immediately.

Millar was lurking in the box to collect Friel's cushioned header from a ball forward and drive a left-footed effort into the bottom corner from 10 yards to make it 1-0.

By the 55th minute, the Sky Blues were sailing after Jude Winchester curled a 20-yard effort into the top corner, leaving the Runavik keeper utterly helpless.

The 2 goals stunned Runavik, but didn't prompt a response. The game resumed the feel and pace of the first half, and it wasn't until the 85th minute that the Sky Blues came close to another goal as Millar thumped a header over from 6 yards.

However, their double had done the damage and the Sky Blues recorded their biggest ever win in European football.