Ards turned on the style in the second half against Ballymena to notch up their second win of pre-season over senior opposition.

A cleverly-worked goal from midfielder Johnny Shaw separated the sides, and Ards boss Tommy Kincaid should take much heart from his team's step up in gear.

It was Ards who had the first half-chance of the night on 18 minutes when Darren Nixon, playing at right-back, sent a cross over into the box for Craig McMillen, who might have done better if he could have got a clean connection with his head.

On 25 minutes Ballymena's Randal Reid was denied by Andy McDonald, tipping over the bar from the United striker, who had got in well behind the Ards defence.

Ards presented their opponents with a great opening on the half hour when the ball was given away in the area and but for Johnny Cleary stopping a shot on the goal-line Ards would have been behind. An effort from captain Aaron McKee with five minutes to play failed to test the goalkeeper, but Ricky Billing's blistering shot on 43 certainly stung the hands of Paul Murphy.

The 56th minute saw Justin McBride put in on goal by a Stirling through ball but his half-volley was blasted straight at the goalkeeper. The introduction of David Cully for Stirling livened up the Ards attack from the right and on 68 minutes the 'home' outfit were ahead. Sub Kris Pike played a short pass in-field to McBride and his dummy allowed the ball to roll on Shaw, who held off a defender and expertly went around Murphy before slipping the ball into the net.

Ballymena's contribution to the game became less and less as the half drew on with a half chance header from Darren Fitzgerald on 72 minutes a rare chance for them.

The latter portion of the half saw Craig McMillen switch to left-back, but become no less dangerous to the attack. Two chances for him in quick succession, the second of which was barely saved by the legs of Murphy, pronounced Ards' dominance on the game and ensured little respite for the United defence.

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