'Ballymena deserved the three points' - Smith on loss

Loughgall boss Dean Smith said that Ballymena United "deserved" their 3-2 victory against his struggling side at Lakeview Park.

Adam Towe gave the hosts an early lead but Andy Scott replied a minute later with Calvin McCurry then putting the Sky Blues in front.

Despite Ballymena finishing the game with nine men after both Josh Carson and Ben Kennedy were sent off, the Villagers were unable to find an equaliser even though Daithi McCallion's own goal had given them hope.

"It was eventful, but I think overall Ballymena deserved the three points, when you play as long as we did again nine men and you only have one shot on target that sums up the kind of day we've had today," Smith told BBC Sport NI.

Smith lamented their lack of creativity as well as the poor goals they conceded with the result leaving Loughgall rooted to the foot of the table, six points behind Glenavon.

"We didn't look like scoring, our first goal was a deflection the second one is an own goal and apart from that we had only one shot on target, and I can't defend that," Smith continued.

"It coincides with the type of goals we've given away today and I can see why we're in the position we're in, it's that bad now it's become laughable and as a group we're really disappointed."