Mallards go ten points clear
Published 4 Feb 2012 09:30
Ballinamallard Utd 2 Tobermore Utd 1
Second half goals from Jason McCartney and David Kee gave the Mallards a deserved victory at Ferney Park; and although Tobermore pulled a late one back, it really was a comfortable win for the home side.
Indeed, with the amount of possession they had it could have been a greater winning margin. But full credit to the visiting keeper who produced several fine saves.
The margin didn't matter, though, as it was the win that was all-important, especially when their nearest challengers, Newry City dropped points in a 1-1 draw away at Institute.
Mallards are now 10 points clear of both Newry and Ards (in third place) in the Belfast Telegraph IFA Championship One table. Second-placed Newry have a game in hand.
Mallards made a couple of changes against Tobermore. Stephen Sheridan's impressive performance when coming on against Stute a couple of weeks ago earned him a starting place up front alongside Crawford.
Mark McConkey returned to right back, with Craig Hill moving over to left back to replace Danny Keohane.
On a wet and miserable afternoon, Mallards soon settled and dominated the first half. But they failed the break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, Hutchinson's shot being tipped over and a free kick also just off target.
The question was would the goals come in the second half, and Sheridan showed early intent with a powerful run past two defenders only for the keeper to push his shot out. Mark McConkey followed up the rebound but the keeper made a fine double save.
It seemed only a matter of time, and when the overworked keeper brought Andy Crawford down, McCartney stepped up to confidently slot home the penalty.
Midway through the half, Mallards took firm control of the game with their second goal. David Kee's free kick took a deflection and ended up in the net to make it 2-0.
In the final quarter, Mallards sent on Higginbotham for Crawford and could afford to give a debut to new signing Gary Curran who came on for Sheridan.
They continued to dominate, and Hutchinson's shot was tipped over. Several corners were also cleared.
Tobermore did manage to pull a goal back with less than ten minutes left, but this proved only a consolation and Mallards ran out deserved winners.
They now take a break from league action, with their major Irish Cup game at Coleraine next Saturday. They enter that game with a 10-point cushion in their division, with their bid for promotion to the Irish Premier league very much on track.
For a preview to next week's big game, and more photos and a follow-up to the Tobermore game, see next Thursday's Impartial Reporter.
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