Whitey Anderson came off the pitch at Carrick admitting he was a relieved man after Ballinamallard were rescued from automatic relegation by a Dungannon goal against Warrenpoint deep into injury time. In a frantic and dramatic finish to the regular league season the relegation picture changed three times in the closing minutes, with the Mallards eventually finishing in the play-off spot having conceded two late goals to lose to Carrick.

“We knew Warrenpoint were one up and I thought that was it. I thought Ballinamallard were relegated,” admitted Whitey. “I just prayed that we would get another chance, and that is what happened! In the 89th minute we were in the Premier League, five minutes later we were relegated, one minute after that we are in the play off. You couldn’t write the script!”

Ivan Sproule put the Mallards ahead in the first half and despite some late Carrick pressure it looked as though the Fermanagh side would hold on to secure a fifth season in the top flight, but Carrick’s goals in the 89th and 91st minute sent the Mallards to the edge of relegation. Whitey thought his side had done enough before the tense finale to put the game beyond Carrick but once again their inability to score goals proved costly. “I think we should have been two up, but that’s football,” said the manager. “Again we conceded late goals and that was a disappointing aspect. There is no point beating ourselves up about it now though. It’s done and gone and we will go out in the next two games and make sure we stay in this division.”

Hundreds of Ballinamallard fans made the long journey to Carrick and the manager was quick to praise their support. “The fans were absolutely magnificent,” said Whitey. “They came in big numbers and they sang from all areas of the ground. It’s just a great wee club and I’m so pleased for them that we are going to have another opportunity. I’m glad they can go down the road knowing we have another chance, and the players intend to make sure we stay in this league for them.”

Ballinamallard will face Institute in the play off. The former Premiership side finished fifth in the Championship but with the teams finishing second to fourth not holding the correct licence for promotion, ‘stute take the play-off spot.

The first leg of the match will be played at Institute on Friday 6th May at 7.45pm, with the second leg set to take place at Ferney Park on Tuesday 10th May at 7.45pm.