Mallards flying high again for happy Harry
BALLINAMALLARD United boss Harry McConkey has reason to smile again about life in the Championship.
The Fermanagh outfit will enter today’s game away to PSNI with renewed hope and confidence after winning their last two league fixtures following a shocking run of form.
Prior to this month’s victories over H&W Welders at Ferney Park and Carrick Rangers on the road, the previous success for McConkey’s team was on the opening weekend of the season when they convincingly overcame Limavady United.
Back in August no-one could have imagined it would take them to November to collect another win even though they have been hampered by injuries and a massive summer turnover which led to McConkey working with virtually a new group of players after relegation from the top flight.
Bottom of the table, the experienced McConkey asked his team to dig deep. That’s what they have done, beating Welders 2-0 and then going to Carrick and coming away with a 3-1 victory, scoring three times in four minutes with Darragh McBrien grabbing a brace and Ryan Campbell also on target.
“It was so important that we stopped the rot and gave the supporters, committee, players and management a bit of hope that we can get ourselves out of this mess,” said McConkey, whose side now have Dergview below them in the table.
“We have shown battling qualities and we need to keep showing them.”
The feeling in Fermanagh is if anyone can inspire the Mallards it is McConkey.
There is no shortage of confidence at top dogs Larne following their mighty impressive 3-0 win at Portadown last week.
With second placed Dundela and the Ports having their game postponed due to players from the Shamrock Park club being on international duty, Larne will go 11 points clear if they beat Limavady United at home.
Bluefin Championship fixtures: H& W Welders v Loughgall, Knockbreda v Ballyclare, PSNI v Ballinamallard (all 2pm), Dergview v Carrick, Larne v Limavady nited (both 3pm).