CELTIC put themselves back into the promotion chase with a hard fought win over Ballymoney United due to other results going their way.

The game started off in perfect playing conditions and both sides played it cagey for the opening 20 mins but Celtic drew first blood when Haire blocked an attempted clearance by the visitors 'keeper and when the defence couldn't clear he won the ball back, cut in from the left, and blasted a shot into the net from the corner of the penalty area and just prior to the break blazed an effort over the bar after great work by Mackin set him up.

The 2nd half saw the home side more in control and Ballymoney's Cullen was given a straight red for a tackle on Celtic's Murphy.

Later on they lost a second player to a red card when Dillon was dismissed after an altercation with the referee when he had been blown up for a foul on Celtic sub youth team player Conway.

Despite this Ballymoney made two breaks in a bid to salvage the game but Celtic held firm and wrapped up the points when Conway scored after good work by Mackin to seal the points.