Ballinamallard remain in the bottom two of the Danske Bank Premiership following today's 1-3 defeat at home to Linfield.

Manager Whitey Anderson shook up his side with five changes from the side that lost to Portadown last week, including Stefan McCusker replacing Fergal Murphy in goal, but Linfield were to control the contest from the outset with Ballinamallard struggled to retain possession.

There was only 12 minutes gone when the visitors swooped for the opener as Peter Thompson laid the ball into the path of the inrushing Stephen Lowry who calmly slotted to the corner.

And four minutes later Linfield doubled their advantage as Ross Clarke's perfect cross from the right was headed home powerfully by Aaron Burns.

Further chances fell to Burns and Thompson but they failed to convert with McCusker making a good save with outstretched leg to deny Burns.

A third goal did arrive for Warren Feeney's Linfield in the 53rd minutes with Clarke again the provider for Burns to tuck home.

In fairness, Ballinamallard were much more competitive in the second half and they pulled a goal back in the 79th minute through John Currie who tapped home after Linfield goalkeeper Johnny Tuffey could only parry Johnny Lafferty's shot.

This though was only a consolation goal as Linfield secured the points, leaving the Mallards a point above Warrenpoint at the foot of the table.