Ballinamallard manager Gavin Dykes is expecting a big response from his side this Saturday at Mourneview Park following last week’s poor display against Coleraine.
Dykes left his players in no doubt that the performance at Ferney Park last Saturday was unacceptable as they were second best all over the pitch and he is hoping to see a much improved showing this week.
“We have to look for a reaction from the players, they know they let themselves down and I was very blunt and very straight with them. 
“It was not acceptable,” he said.
 “We had a good sit down after the game and I have spoken to the players individually since and I’ve left it in no doubt that they have got to do a whole lot better and we have got to push on. 
“We have to go to Glenavon and get a performance and if we get good performances we will get results. 
“We’ve been a bit hit and miss but know we have to start turning performances into results.”
Dykes admitted that he didn’t see the Coleraine performance coming after the side picked up their first win in the League Cup mid-week.
“I was shocked with it. I praised them when they have given me everything and we got up and running on Tuesday night when we won, we got a few goals and we kept a cleansheet and I expected us to kick on from it. 
“For one reason or another that didn’t happen but we have to move on and the players have to show a bit of pride in the jersey.
“It is a great club, I’m honoured to be managing it but that is not what my teams are about. 
“The least that I expect is workrate, honesty and endeavour to try and do the best you can but unfortunately too many didn’t do that the other day.
“I have no problem losing a football match as long as there is a desire and energy to try and not lose them but I didn’t see that the other day and that’s the first time that I haven’t seen that hunger and desire. 
“The players are very disappointed themselves, they realise they have to do better and they have to have a desire to play football and if they don’t want to play then they don’t have to stay here. 
“Hopefully though we will get the positive reaction that we want from them,” he commented.
The new manager brought in a lot of young players during the summer and while he knows they will need time to bed in, he stresses that now is the time to stand up and be counted.
“I know we have a lot of young players but those young players have to start wakening up now. 
“I brought new players into the club and I fully accept it takes time to settle but they have got to start stepping up to the plate. 
“Some of them have done well but others I expected a lot more of. 
“There is a big few weeks ahead of us and I’m happy with the squad that I have but we expect a lot more than we seen last Saturday,” he added.
The games get no easier this weekend when Ballinamallard go to second placed Glenavon and Dykes knows that his players will have to show character and no shortage of work rate if they are to take something from the game.
“They are a smashing side and they have brought in some quality players so it won’t be easy. 
“But this is when men stand up, you have to go into the lion’s den sometimes and you have to be big and strong and get on the ball and pass it. 
“To do that though you have to be able to run and harry and do all the horrible stuff. 
“You have got to earn the right to play football and if you don’t earn the right then you are going to get beat,” said Dykes.
Dykes is hoping to welcome captain James McKenna back into the side on Saturday as he is exactly the type of player required in this type of situation.
“I’m hoping James McKenna will be available. He pulled out of training last Thursday night with a niggle in his calf and the physio said not to risk him so I’m hoping he will be available as he is a big player for us. 
“He is our captain, he is a warrior and those are the type of players we need in the position that we are in,” he commented.
There is a doubt though over the future of John Currie at the club after the midfielder took up a placement at UCD in Dublin.
“John is moving to Dublin, he has taken up a placement at UCD. 
“He is still a registered player but he won’t be available for training so that makes it difficult but we’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully that situation may change,” said the Mallards boss.