Poor defending cost Ballinamallard dearly as they lost to league leaders Portadown at Shamrock Park.

Jake Dykes came in for Cathal Beacom in the Mallard’s only change from the defeat against Institute and Ballinamallard started well. After good work from Liam Martin, John Currie burst downright wing but his cross towards Elding was gathered by the keeper.

After eight minutes Portadown took the lead in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. McAllister crossed for Mackle and his header was tipped onto the crossbar by Murphy, but the ball bounced into the six yard box and the spin took it into the goal.

Portadown continued to press forward and Murray headed over when well placed, but as the half wore on the Mallards came more into the match. A Lafferty free kick was deflected wide and Elding failed to get enough on a Martin pass to trouble the keeper. Martin then had the best chance of the half but he headed wide from ten yards when unmarked. On the stroke of half time though the Mallards conceded a second. Murray raced through on goal and although Murphy seemed to get both hands on his close range shot, the ball squirmed loose and Murray tapped into the unguarded net.

Ballinamallard started the second half well as they looked to get back into the game. Martin scuffed a shot after Lafferty had worked space on the right wing, Dykes had a shot saved and then Lafferty fired over when well placed. The game was ended as a contest on 62 minutes. In trying to prevent a corner Murphy gifted the ball to McAllister and he squared for Murray to tap into the unguarded net.