Ballinamallard assistant manager John Quinn is hoping that Saturday’s resounding 4-2 win over Ballymena United will be the catalyst for a run of positive results for Mallards as they look to battle their way out of the relegation scrap.
The Mallards entered Saturday’s encounter in the relegation zone and without a league win since October but with new boys Ivan Sproule and Stephen O’Fynn starring, they produced a fine performance saw them rise two places to ninth and Quinn is keen for them to build on this in the coming weeks.
“The result was the main thing and it was good that there was a performance along with that. The new players fitted in well and lifted the rest of the lads and hopefully now we can build on this and get a bit of momentum and go on a run ourselves. 
“Warrenpoint, Carrick and Dungannon have all gathered some points recently and we haven’t been doing that so hopefully now this will give us a boost and we can go on a run and hopefully open up that gap again that we had up to six or seven weeks ago,” said Quinn.
Goals have been a problem for Ballinamallard this season but the addition of O’Flynn and Sproule have given the Ferney Park side greater options in attacking positions and on Saturday O’Flynn recorded a debut goal while Sproule chipped in with two assists. 
Quinn feels that both will also bring the best out of others as well.
“They have certainly added something to our striking options and not alone do they bring a lot of quality and experience to the team but you could see in the reaction from the other players. For example, Ryan Campbell, when he came on at half time after Stephen O’Flynn’s injury, I thought Ryan was as good as I had seen him all season. It is keeping everybody on their toes and has given everybody a lift and I think that only good things can come out of the signings,” he added.
The Mallards brought their January additions to five with the signing of  left back Garth Falconer who joins Sproule, O’Flynn, Ryan Mayse and Jake Dykes.
“Garth was one we were quite keen on in the summer and his decision was between ourselves and Coleraine. He pondered on it and decided to go to Coleraine but he then became available recently so we were more than happy to bring him in,” commented Quinn. 
“Whitey has worked extremely hard during January and we are very happy with what has happened.”
It has also left Ballinamallard with strong options throughout the squad and on Saturday the likes of Cathal Beacom, Steve Feeney and John Currie missed out on making the 16 man matchday squad.
“When we have everyone fit and available which has not always been the case then we have good strength in depth,” said Quinn. 
“When you turnaround and look at the bench you have people who can come on and make an impact that maybe hasn’t always been the case.” 
There has also been a couple of departures from Ferney Park with Michael McCrudden returning to Institute while Johnny Courtney has joined Coagh United on loan.
“Micky spoke to me a number of weeks ago and this move has been brought about for personal reasons, which I fully understand and appreciate having discussed it at length,” said Mallards boss Whitey Anderson.
He added: “In his short time at the club, we have all seen what a talented player Michael is and he was a pleasure to work with. I know I speak on behalf of all at Ballinamallard when I wish Michael and his family all the very best in the future.”
Ballinamallard have no game this weekend but this is followed by a run of key clashes. On Friday February 12 they are away to Warrenpoint Town and three nights later the Mallards host Portadown. 
February also includes games against Dungannon Swifts and Glentoran. The key now for Ballinamallard is reproducing the Ballymena performance on a regular basis.
“Getting that level of performance on a consistent basis is the secret but I can’t see why we can’t do that,” said Quinn.  
“There is a good squad there, there is good competition for places and players are stepping up to the mark. The boys have trained well even during the bad run and there is a good determination there to improve things and move things on. 
“I think the desire and attitude is there to try and get a run going,” concluded the Ballinamallard coaching stalwart.