Cliftonville fell to defeat after an off-colour display against Ballymena United this afternoon.
Despite largely bossing possession at The Showgrounds, the Reds failed to carve out anything of note and were punished for hesitant defending for all of the hosts’ goals.
The opener came on 13 minutes when, following a sudden and notable drop in performance, United were able to work their way into the Cliftonville box, where Michael Newberry’s foul on Johnny McMurray allowed Ben Kennedy to step up and convert from the penalty spot.
Having gone close a couple of times in their search for an equaliser, the Reds deservedly levelled when Jonny Addis connected with Ronan Doherty’s free-kick delivery to send the teams in all square at the break.
The second period produced a largely similar tale where, having been in control of the ball for a long time, the visitors again fell behind to Ballymena’s first attack; Kym Nelson powering in a header from a set-piece played into the area.
Poor marking allowed Ethan Devine to nod home the Sky Blues’ third and, though Nelson’s foul on Doherty earned a penalty which Joe Gormley converted, Cliftonville were unable to turn their late pressure into any clear goalscoring opportunity.
Cliftonville: Odumosu, Addis, Newberry (Leppard, 64 mins), Kearney (Ojo, 85 mins), Lowe (Hale, 56 mins), Conlan, Doherty, Piesold (Pettifer, 64 mins), Gormley, Glynn, Steven (Donnelly, 64 mins). Unused subs: Breen, Pepper.