Early points on board will mean much more to Mallards
Published 18 Aug 2012 21:43
Lisburn Distillery 0 Ballinamallard United 5
Ballinamallard United may be sitting pretty at the top of the IFA Premiership after an historic first ever win in the top flight, but the early points on the board will mean much more to Whitey Anderson and his team.
This first ever win and away from home to boot, will allow the blues to take on the bigger challeneges that lie ahead in a wholly confident manner and they have certainly announced their arrival in the IFA Premiership in style.
Manager Whitey Anderson told the Impartial Reporter before the game that he wanted to build on the point gained on the opening day and this they did with a sparkling display that was fully deserving of the win and indeed, the Mallards led 2-0 before Lisburn were reduced to ten men.
Jason McCartney bagged a second half hat-trick and played a big hand in the opener as his shot was deflected past the stranded Lisburn net minder to make it 1-0 after 20 minutes.
Ryan Campbell had two good efforts saved as an on top Mallards controlled matters although Alvin Rouse did save well on the stroke of half-time to keep Ballinamallard ahead.
Seven minutes after the restart, Chris Curran doubled the Mallards' lead and they were now well on their way to that first win in the top flight.
Lisburn did not help their cause when Simpson was sent off on the hour mark after which McCartney stole the show.
First he gleefully headed home from close range to make it 3-0 and then converted from the penalty spot after Curran was fouled in the box.
McCartney rounded off a great day for him and all the Mallards with the best goal of the game, a great individual effort as finished in style.
5-0 at the end was more than Ballinamallard could have dreamed of and four points out six is just the start Whitey Anderson would have wanted.
It is very early days, and league positions mean little, early points mean a lot though and to this end Ballinamallard will be delighted with their start to life in the IFA Premiership.
For all the reaction and analysis to this historic win see Thursday's Impartial Reporter.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Aug 12
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