The scoring was opened after just nine minutes when a Francis Murphy cross from the left-flank was deflected into the air and the bounce off the hard surface outfoxed Gareth McConaghie's attempts to clear with the ball finally bobbling into the path of Andy Waterworth, who placed a shot under Paul Murphy from 10 yards.

United got back on level terms seven minutes before the interval from their first corner of the match. Stephen Lowry's inswinging flag kick was flicked on by Albert Watson to the back post, where Kelbie's volley went through the legs of Matthews before being hacked clear by a defender, but the referee's assistant adjudged that the ball had crossed the goal-line.

However Paul Kirk's side restored their lead three minutes after the re-start.

There appeared little danger as Distillery striker Darren Armour trundled a weakly-hit 30-yard effort towards the Ballymena goal but incredibly, Murphy allowed the ball to roll through both his hands and legs for a freak goal.

That put the visitors onto the back foot once again and although they worked hard, they found it difficult to fashion any clear-cut openings and the Whites put the outcome beyond doubt with 10 minutes left.