Ballymena United Secures Thrilling Loughgall Victory, Ervin Comments on Dramatic Match

Ballymena United climbed to sixth place in the league standings following their 3-2 triumph over Loughgall. Manager Jim Ervin characterized his team’s success at Lakeview Park as “a bit crazy.” The Sky Blues initially conceded to an opening goal by Adam Towe. However, Andy Scott and Calvin McCurry netted goals to reverse the deficit before the interval. Ben Kennedy further increased their lead, but both he and Josh Carson were subsequently dismissed. A late own goal by Daithi McCallion created a tense conclusion, yet the Braidmen managed to secure a vital victory. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Ervin stated: “It was a bit crazy to say the least but the main thing for us was to get the three points no matter how we do it.” He added, “It was an extremely difficult game, the conditions were awful. We responded well to going a goal down we scored straight away and that settled us. “It’s a massive three points and three goals away from home is impressive.” While Ervin expressed frustration regarding the expulsions of Carson and Kennedy, he commended his squad’s character for defending their lead with only nine players. This win also concluded a sequence of six losses in their previous seven matches. He further commented: “I have questions over the first set of bookings but I’m not going to go into that because I will get punished for it, I’ll keep those thoughts to myself,” and concluded, “We went down to nine man and dug in, defended for our lives and I’m proud as punch.”