What a miss from Johnny McMurray - another Stephen O'Donnell mistake lets the Ballymena striker through on goal before he flicks the ball over keeper Chris Johns.

So an open goal is there for the taking but McMurray somehow misses the target. A major let-off for Coleraine.

Stephen Murray's spot-kick separates the sides at the break. Josh Kelly was judged to have brought down Josh Daniels in the box in the most significant event in an otherwise uneventful opening half.

As it stands, Glenavon are going top.

Image source, BBC Sport NI

Swifts captain Ryan Harpur guides a lovely shot home to give the Swifts the lead.

Chris Johns is keeping Coleraine in this game - this time he keeps out Johnny McMurray's close-range strike with his legs.

Swifts striker Daniel Hughes finds a gap in the visitors' defence and hits an early shot, which Sean O'Neill saves but only gathers safely at the second attempt.

Ballymena almost get a third as Johnny McMurray latches on to a low cross but he can't find a way past Chris Johns from eight yards.

United are beginning to make the extra man count and Coleraine have it all to do to get something out of this derby encounter.

Ards are down but by no means out of this. They have looked comfortable on the ball but are lacking that cutting edge thus far. Josh Kelly gets down the line and cuts a ball back into the box but Glenavon get there first in the box and clear the danger.

What is not good for Glenavon is that Mark Sykes is down receiving treatment, looking quite uncomfortable.

It's the sort of chance Jordan Owens would usually score in his sleep but he's missed this one.

Great ball stood up to the back post, the big striker has acres of space but he puts his header over the bar.

Josh Kelly judged to have fouled Josh Daniels in the box. Right decision or bad call? Let us know what you think with #BBCIrishPrem

There can be no doubt about Stephen Murray's finish though, hammered in to give the visitors the lead.

Ryan Strain looks lively up top for the hosts and does brilliantly to create an opening for himself in the box, killing the ball and moving it onto his left foot.

Having found the space, Strain will be disappointed that he didn't hit the target, dragging it just wide.

Paul Heatley gets in down the right for the Crues, but he drags his shot wide of the far post.

Jordan Owens thought he should have squared it - and let him know too!

Coleraine striker Eoin Bradley is dismissed for striking United captain Jim Ervin. Referee Ian McNabb shows Bradley a straight red card after the pair clashed.

It's a nightmare start to the game for Rodney McAree in his first derby as Coleraine boss - one goal down and now a man down for the remaining 74 minutes.