Ballinamallard United under 15s capped an historic season on Saturday by defeating Linfield in the National League plate final, becoming the first side from the club to win a double of National League trophies in one season.
The young Mallards clinched the league title a couple of weeks ago, showing tremendous consistency to emerge top over a long season of 22 league games in NL 15B.
And after defeating Oliver Plunkett’s, Glenavon and Larne to get to the final, they clinched the knock-out trophy on Saturday by defeating Linfield.
 It was the second time this season that the Mallard under 15 had defeated the illustrious Belfast outfit.
Two goals in the first half by Adam Young and a magnificent defensive performance led by captain Dean Corrigan, who was named man of the match, were features of the game. 
But overall it was a real team effort and Mallards fully deserved the win.
Ballinamallard Youth chairman, Wesley Warrington paid tribute to the young history makers: 
“This is a fantastic achievement for the club to win a League and Cup double, the first in our ten-year history within the National League,” he said.
In fact, this group became only the second Fermanagh side to win a National League title; the first being the Ballinamallard 1997 group. 
"They had also won a plate a few years earlier at under 12 level.
But this double in one season, and at one of the older age groups, is a first.
After their league success, Saturday was a real test for the Mallards to see if they could again rise to the occasion on a day of finals at Cookstown.
They had a great start against Linfield, and went 1-0 up after 10 minutes. 
Adam Young was thriving on the service provided by midfield, but his opener was down to his own battling qualities, and he slotted home past the keeper.
With holding midfielders Kyle Malone and Craig Humes providing the cover, the trio of playmakers in Conor Love, Darragh McBrien and Sam Robb were probing well and using Adam Young’s pace to open up Linfield.
If the first goal was an individual effort, the second was a team goal. 
A fine move across the pitch ended with Conor Love squaring the ball for Young to grab the second and put Mallards in pole position.
Towards half-time, Linfield began to launch long balls into the heart of the Mallard defence, but centre backs Josh Largo-Elis and Dean Corrigan were superbly solid, ably supported by full backs Charlie Mooney and David McDaniel. 
And with Luke Johnston safe in goal, the Mallards remained in charge.
There was a scary moment on the half-time whistle when a speculative effort from the right wing by Linfield went just over the bar. 
In fact, when the referee blew his half-time whistle straight away, many spectators believed it was a goal. It wasn’t!
The second half was a real competitive affair. Possibly not the best football that this Ballinamallard passing side has played all season; but they managed the game well in determined fashion.
Linfield pulled one back with a well-worked free kick down a channel left free when right back Mooney was temporarily off the pitch.
Mallards used subs Fergal Quinn, Micheal Glynn and Shea Devlin for fresh legs and they protected their lead well.
Despite what Linfield threw at them there was to be no further scoring and Mallards celebrated at the end.
Coach Denzil McDaniel said it was a great moment for the boys. He said: “Hard work over several years has seen this group of boys mature and develop and I can’t praise them highly enough. 
"There’s lots of talent in this group, both in terms of technical ability and mental strength.
“It just goes to show what dedication and hard work can do for young players, and I wish every one of them well in what promises to be a very bright future,” he said. 
“They’re not just good players, they’re good lads and I’m grateful to Ballinamallard for having had the opportunity to work with them and get to know them.”
Youth chairman, Mr. Warrington added: “Congratulations to Denzil, Jackie (Palmer) and Keith (Malone), a just reward for the tremendous work and effort put in all season with the boys. And, of course, well done to all the players who have done themselves, their parents and the club proud,” he added.
Saturday’s squad: Luke Johnston, Charlie Mooney, Josh Largo-Elis, Dean Corrigan, David McDaniel, Craig Humes, Kyle Malone, Conor Love, Darragh McBrien, Sam Robb, Adam Young, Finn Grimes, Micheal Glynn, Fergal Quinn, Shea Devlin, Jack Largo-Elis.