The 1-0 victory for Ballinamalard keeps them three points clear at the top of the first division, thanks to a Leon Carters goal on the stroke of half-time.

    It was the home side who made the better start, Paul Woods causing problems with his hard work and speed. It was the never-say-die attitude of Woods which created the first clear-cut chance for Skea.

    Woods forced keeper Enda Lyons into an error, his cross to the back post was hit first time by Conor McMahon wide of the target, the striker not realising the amount of time and space he had to deliver a better strike.

    Ballinamallard clawed their way back into the game. Mark McConkey stamping his authority in the middle of the park. Jarno Glass and Simon Douglas looked very sharp for the visitors, tormenting the indecisive Skea defence.

    Skea would have been content with a draw at the interval, but Carters popped up for his second goal in as many weeks to give the visitors a half-time lead.

    The second half was a much keener contest. Skea went in search of the equaliser, but lacked penetration in the final third of the field.

    Ballinamallard soaked up the pressure and with accurate passing carved open Skea on the break. Pat Cadden in the Skea goals made excellent stops from Neill Coalter and Glass.

    Skea lost the services of Woods and John Armitage due to injury which severely restricted their attack. They had a strong claim for a penalty turned down by referee Roy Beacom.

    Kevin Swift ghosted in behind the Ballinamallard defence unchallenged, his strike on goal saved by Lyons. The rebound fell to the inrushing Colum Monahan who blasted goalwards, the effort was blocked on the line by the raised arm of a defender, but the unsighted official waved play on. It wasn’t to be the home side’s day. Ballinamallard threatened to score at will as their superior fitness showed.

    Tommy Armitage and Leo Herbert both had half chances to sneak a point but it was the Mallards who held on for the three points.

    Team manager Noel Phair was not too despondent: “We played well at the start but quite simply we are not scoring. We must take our chances against good sides. We are conceding less this season and are being beaten by the odd goal”.