The Lurgan Blues came close to taking a 5th minute lead when Willo McDonagh forced United 'keeper Sean O'Neill into a breathtaking save.

David Cushley later fired straight at Andrew Plummer as Ballymena started to come into the game although a Trevor Molloy effort from the edge of the box almost handed Glenavon the lead moments from the break.

But it was United who finally found a way through when, on 56 minutes, Neil Teggart thumped the ball into the bottom corner from a Cushley pass.

However, Glenavon levelled on 77 minutes when a Paul Carvill corner from the left was headed past O'Neill by McDonagh at the back post.

And James Costello made sure the points stayed at Mourneview when he turned home a Molloy pass at the near post although Cushley almost ensured a share of the spoils for the visitors with a 30-yard drive in stoppage time.