Ballinamallard Utd 4 Ballymena Utd 2

 

Ballinamallard registered their first league win since October as they produced a fine performance to secure a thoroughly deserved 4-2 win over Ballymena United at Ferney Park today.

Mallards boss Whitey Anderson handed a first start to recent arrival Stephen O'Flynn and the striker was very impressive in the first 45 minutes before going off at half time with a groin injury.

O'Flynn's ability to bring others into the game was evident throughout the first half as he linked up well with Ivan Sproule and Shane McCabe in particular, both of who were also excellent.

Sproule was busy throughout the contest and provided two assists while McCabe, along with captain James McKenna, helped Ballinamallard dominate the exchanges in the middle of the park.

The Mallards dictated the play from the outset and they had a good shout for a penalty when O'Flynn appeared to be taken down by Ballymena goalkeeper Alan Blayney but referee Evan Boyce waved play on.

The experienced O'Flynn, who signed this week from Crusaders, then played a one-two with McCabe but the midfielder shot wide from inside the box before McKenna opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.

O'Flynn fed Sproule on the right and he fizzed a ball across the face of the goal which McKenna slid in to turn home for 1-0.

Further chances fell to the Mallards as they went looking a second including an O'Flynn effort that was cleared off the line.

Number two though arrived in the 43rd minute with O'Flynn marking his debut with a goal, his 25 yard free kick taking a deflection before nestling in the back of the net.

However, Ballymena were given a lifeline 15 seconds into the second half as Matthew Tipton headed home.

The Mallards though regained control of matters as McKenna sent Sproule away down the right and is first time cross was turned into his own net by visiting defender Paddy McNally.

And the result was put beyond doubt when Jason McCartney fired home from the spot after Ryan Campbell was upended.

Ballymena did hit a late goal through Leroy Millar but this was only a consolation strike as the Mallards claimed three vital points to move up two places to ninth.