League of Ireland Premiership: The Glens close the gap at the top as Cruz moves clear of the bottom position

Cliftonville enjoyed a bright start when Ballymena defender Dithi McCallion returned his pass to Bradley Wade, allowing Robertson to get in front of the goalkeeper to score the opening goal.

After experiencing a brief spell of pressure, the Reds doubled their lead as Josh Kelly exchanged passes with Rory Hill before advancing into the box and passing for Healy, who shrugged off Stephen O’Donnell and coolly shot past Wade.

Moments later, Jim Magilton’s men threatened again when Hill crossed a fine through ball to Robertson, who cut the ball towards the near post, but Wade spread out well to make a save.

However, after the start of the second half, the match was turned on its head when Hill was shown a straight red card after a challenge with Rutkowski inside the penalty area.

The visitors took full advantage as Rutkowski stepped up to take the resulting penalty himself and made no mistake from 12 yards out.

After defending for large parts of the second half, Cliftonville almost restored their two-goal lead when Kelly fired a long throw into the area, which Michael Glenn turned into the path of Healy, whose back header hit the post.

Midway through the second half, the turnaround was completed when substitute James Hood’s low shot was deflected past Morrison by Joe Toole to draw the visitors level.

Ballymena dominated the remainder of the game and continued to investigate, but were unable to find a late winner.