Coleraine fought back from two goals down at half-time to claim a share of the spoils in an action-packed derby at the Showgrounds.

Ethan Devine scored twice in the opening 45 minutes to have Jim Ervin’s side firmly in charge at the break but Cameron Stewart and Matthew Shevlin ensured a point for the hosts.

Devine broke the deadlock just after the half hour when he managed to find space in the six yard box to head home an Alex Gawne cross from the right.

And the same pair were at it again in added time at the end of the first half to double the visitors’ lead. Again, Gawne found space on the right wing to deliver a cross, this time low into the heart of the Coleraine penalty area.

Devine, with his back to goal, cleverly back heeled the ball past a helpless Rory Brown for his second of the afternoon.

The hosts pulled a goal back nine minutes after the restart as defender Stewart outjumped the Ballymena defence to head home Jamie Glackin’s corner.

And the sides were level midway through the second half when Shevlin held his nerve to score his 14th of the season from the spot after Ballymena had been penalised for handball inside the area.

The hosts pressed for a winner in the closing stages but could find no way past an inspired Sean O’Neill in the visitors’ goal.