It has taken seven matches but Ballinamallard finally secured their first win of the league campaign on Saturday with a late winner against Glenavon. In contrast to the corresponding fixture last season where an injury time goal snatched victory for Glenavon, this time it was Ballinamallard who benefitted from a late winner at Mourneview Park. The win was the perfect way to banish the memories of a disappointing defeat to Coleraine seven days previously.
“The first win is important and I was delighted with the response I got,” said manager Gavin Dykes, who had been critical of his players following the Ferney Park defeat. “As we all know the week before we didn’t show any heart, endeavour, honesty, work rate which is the make-up of what I want my teams to be. It was a very difficult week last week because there was a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. We asked for a performance this week and in fairness to the lads we had a game plan and they stuck to it. They worked really hard and came off the pitch shattered, and when you come off the pitch shattered sometimes you get the breaks. We got the breaks this time. Penalties have played a big part in our season and they finally went for us this week.”
Former Glenavon player James McGrath saved a spot kick from Paddy McCourt to keep the sides level before Adam Lecky was presented with the opportunity to win the game in injury time from twelve yards. Having already endured the frustration of two penalty failures this season, Gavin admits he could not bring himself to watch. “I didn’t look at it,” he admitted. “I stood beside Gary Hamilton and it was his reaction that let me know that we scored. I was delighted. Glenavon are a really good side with a really good squad. When you see Paddy McCourt and Kevin Braniff coming off their bench it shows where they are. If we had come out of the game with a draw or even a 1-0 defeat it would have been very hard to criticise the players because they game everything from one to eleven and the subs.”
Gavin is hoping that the win sparks a run of good results. Next in line is a home fixture against newly promoted Ards, who have been in good form and come into the match sitting in second spot in the league table.
“There were some outstanding performances, but now we have to move on and hopefully get our first home win on Friday night,” said Gavin. “It won’t be easy because they are flying as well. They have done very well. I have seen them and they are very physical and very well organised. They work hard every week and that is why they are getting the results, but now it is up to us to match that. We have to try to open them up and get goal scoring opportunities and take them. If we get the work rate and the honesty, which is the minimum we expect, hopefully we will get something. It’s important to build on what we did last week.”
Liam Flatley is suspended for Friday’s encounter. Steve Feeney and James McKenna are also both carrying slight knocks but the manager is hopeful they will have recovered in time to be in contention for the game at Ferney Park.