'The goals we are giving away are criminal' - Ervin

Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin said their 3-1 defeat by bottom side Glenavon is "the first time this season I've properly questioned my players".

The Sky Blues went ahead early through Success Edogun's goal, but Jack Malone equalised soon after.

Late goals from Davy McDaid and Peter Campbell completed Glenavon's turnaround and Ervin was frustrated by his side's display as they failed to respond to Tuesday night's 4-1 County Antrim Shield final defeat against Cliftonville.

"The goals we're given away are criminal, we are not going to win games of football with the goals we are giving away, and players aren't learning, it's as simple as that," Ervin told BBC Sport NI.

"It's the first time I can say this season I've properly questioned my players. Midweek I took full responsibility, but if you look at today, we had 10 players unavailable, but you have a big squad, and we were looking players to stand up and be counted and they've haven't."

Ervin questioned the decision from referee Shane McGonigle to award Glenavon a penalty which McDaid converted, as he did not feel Barney McKeown was fouled.

"They've got a penalty for Barney McKeown kicking Dylan [McGeouch]. Dylan has won the ball and Barney kicks into him and gets a penalty," Ervin added.

"You look at the reaction and from what I've been told by the players, the linesman has said it's not a penalty we've watched the clip back, Dylan kicks the ball and Barney kicks him.

"The referee hasn't spoken to us yet, so we don't know his view. He didn't want to speak to me after the game, I've been told to wait 15 minutes and I'm still waiting to hear from him."