Young Mallards secure much needed win
Ballymoney 2 Ballinamallard 4
Ballinamallard made a quick start to this encounter when Fearghal Cassidy got on the end of a Timothy Armstrong free kick to give them an early lead.
Keen to keep the momentum, they kept playing in the front foot and they soon doubled their advantage when Tomas Mcelholm’s free kick evaded everyone in the penalty area and nestled into the net.
The midfield trio of Armstrong, Cassidy and Charlie Mccabe were battling hard and showing plenty of endeavour to stop their opposition from gaining a foothold in the game.
Armstrong again tested the Ballymoney goalkeeper from distance on two occasions and it was third time lucky as his powerful strike gave the Mallards a comfortable 3-0 lead. The home side did score before half time however to set up an intriguing second period.
The next goal was going to be critical but thankfully it fell to the Fermanagh boys with striker Jay Ely converting an Armstrong free kick.
The game continued at a fast pace and a strike from Ballymoney from distance hit the back of the net to make it 4-2.
The young Mallards could have quickly folded as the tide changed in Ballymoney’s favour, but the defence of Ben Cathcart, Nathan Coyle, Daniel Hoy and Tomas Mcelholm stood strong and Ethan Boylan made some vital saves between the sticks when called upon.
Jay Trimble made an appearance from the bench and added some physicality in midfield, and the defence was strengthened even more with the introduction of Edward Murphy and Evan Clarke to shut up shop and hold on for a much needed win.