Andy Ryan’s penalty brace helped extend Larne’s advantage at the Premiership’s summit to six points following a 2-0 win over 10-man Ballymena United.

The Inver Reds talisman showed calm and composure to slot home twice from the spot within 22 first half minutes – ending Larne’s winless run of four league matches in the process.

In another major boost, nearest rivals Coleraine slipped up at Dungannon Swifts, to restore a more comfortable cushion atop of the Irish League pyramid for Gary Haveron’s men.

Here’s the story of the match:

placeholder image — Larne’s Andrew Ryan celebrates scoring against Ballymena United. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

TEAM NEWS

Ballymena United: Wade, Toure, Jarvis, O'Donnell, Clarke, Ebbe, Thompson, Edogun, McCallion, Sule, Corbally.

Subs: Breen, Lafferty, Rutkowski, O'Reilly, McCurry, McGeouch, S McEleney.

Larne: Ferguson, Ridley, Donnelly, Gallagher, Doherty, McEneff, Cosgrove, Bent, Ryan, Lusty, Simpson.

Subs: Graham, McKendry, O'Neill, O'Connor, Magee, Nolan, Wallace.

Referee: Tim Marshall

FIRST HALF

8: GOAL – LARNE (ANDY RYAN, PENALTY): Dream start for the Premiership leaders as star striker Ryan makes no mistake from the spot after Stephen O’Donnell had committed a foul on Jordan McEneff inside the box. 0-1.

21: Ballymena fans outraged as Dan Bent goes right through Kian Corbally with a strong challenge – referee Tim Marshall opts for no card.

27: Great chance for Larne – and Ryan – to double the goal tally but his shot across goal is well saved by a diving Bradley Wade.

30: GOAL – LARNE (RYAN, PENALTY): Ryan at the double and it’s deja vu as he slams home another penalty. He blasts high into the same side after Matty Lusty had been brought down. 0-2.

33: Ballymena think they have a lifeline through a tap in from close range after Rohan Ferguson’s initial save, but linesman flags for offside.

45: Comical scenes as an attempted pass across the pitch from Larne hits the referee – and the drop ball is then strikes him too. One minute added on.

HALF TIME: BALLYMENA UNITED 0 – 2 LARNE.

SECOND HALF

47: Larne appeal for another penalty for Aaron Jarvis’ challenge on Lusty, but this time appeals are waved away.

51: RED CARD (SUCCESS EDOGUN): Things go from bad to worse for Ballymena as Edogun is shown a straight red card for kicking out at Aaron Donnelly after being fouled.

53: Jarvis goes into the book for prolonged dragging back of Lusty as he tried to drive forward.

56: First change for Ballymena as they look to get back into the game with in-form Igor Rutkowski replacing Joel Thompson.

59: David Toure now booked for a poor covering challenge on Lusty as he tried to break into space.

61: Brilliant play from Lusty to weave his way into Ballymena’s box before laying off for Ryan, who blasts his effort wide under pressure.

64: Change for Larne as the impressive Lusty is replaced by Paul O’Neill.

68: Former Larne midfielder Fuad Sule makes way for Jack O’Reilly.

71: Goal hero Ryan, Dan Bent and Aaron Donnelly make way for Benji Magee, Logan Wallace and Conor McKendry for the visitors.

74: Larne work a big chance to score as McKendry’s lofted ball ends up with Magee, who tries to round the goalkeeper before returning the ball to McKendry – he shoots wide.

80: Corbally booked for a challenge on Ronan Doherty – much to the frustration of home support.

84: Magee drives forward and tries to find O’Neill in the box but his ball is too strong.

90: Five minutes added on.

FULL TIME: BALLYMENA UNITED 0 – 2 LARNE.