The Villagers moved in front on 19 minutes - and with it the all-important away goal - when Andy Smith delivered an inch perfect ball over the United defence for Paul Baron to run on to and slot past 'keeper Trevor Morrison.

Ballinamallard almost grabbed the equaliser three minutes from the break when Robert McAuley flicked on a Chris Crilly low cross just past the near post.

And they came close again on 55 minutes when Darren Higginbotham found himself clear on goal only for his side-foot effort to be well saved by Marc Robinson.

But the Mallards finally levelled three minutes later through Grant Hutchinson when he fired low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Ballinamallard were reduced to ten men with three minutes remaining following Craig Hill's dismissal for foul play - and with him went United's hopes of grabbing that crucial second goal.