Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree said they had asked Ballymena United if they could postpone tonight’s game after four players were involved in a road accident en route to Stangmore Park.

McAree confirmed after the game that the four players involved were Declan Dunne, James Knowles, Tom Maguire and Danny Wallace.

“Fortunately, nothing serious happened to any of the four,” a relieved McAree told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s a call that makes you panic a little bit. Declan Dunne called me. It was a video call so he was able to show me the collision and the damage.

“There were obviously four players in the car and he was able to show me all four. They looked a little bit dazed but at that point in the accident they were just getting back on their feet and making sure they did the right thing. Thankfully they’re OK.”

McAree said Dungannon wanted to postpone the game, but Ballymena refused.

“There is no law that says the league can postpone it or that we have the right to cancel it. We have asked Ballymena if we can postpone it and reschedule it for another date.

“I appreciate that Ballymena have come a long way and the Ballymena players have come a long way. They felt that with the support that travelled with them, they wanted the game to happen. That’s fine too because everyone had to make their own decision.”

Kealan Dillon scored the only goal of the game in the 20th minute to secure Dungannon’s first win of the season.

“It’s an ugly 1-0 win, we weren’t particularly good all game,” added McAree.

“We fought hard, we fought for our cause and we got the three points. I’m very happy with the dressing room.”