Ballinamallard can start to move up the Premier League table now they have got a win under their belts, according to Steve Feeney. 
The central defender was instrumental in securing their first league victory of the season against Glenavon, and he believes if they can replicate their efforts for the rest of the campaign then they can go from strength to strength.
“To be honest with ten minutes to go we were probably thinking it would be a good point to get but we put away the penalty and it was great to get the first win and hopefully it is now something we can build on,” he said. 
“Confidence probably was becoming an issue. It wasn’t something that was talked about but it was probably in the back of people’s heads and to get the win is no bad thing. 
“Last week hurt the boys because up until that we were playing okay but just not getting the wee bits of luck that would have got us a result but against Coleraine we were way under par. 
“Thankfully the boys showed up this Saturday and put it behind them. We can’t be up and down though. We need to put that effort in every week. If we can put in our best performance then I don’t think there is any team in the league that we can’t challenge”
Steve is a key member of Gavin Dykes’ backroom staff and at the start of the season was focused on his coaching role more than his playing role, but as the search for win dragged on the manager turned to one of his most experienced players to turn things around.
“Pre-season I was trying to take sessions and jump into the training when I could because there were a few in there ahead of me, but as the games went on Gavin said to me that we needed more talkers in the team and mentioned to me about getting back in,” revealed Steve. 
“I played the cup game and it went well and I’m happy being back in there and getting a few games under my belt. 
“Against Coleraine obviously as a centre back when you lose 3-0 you can’t be happy but on a personal level I got 90 minutes and on Saturday against Glenavon that time on the pitch definitely benefitted me and I felt sharper. Now I have to keep working hard and hopefully keep my place in the team.”
Steve was part of Whitey Anderson’s coaching team last season and he was delighted to take up a similar role when the new manager came on board. 
“I’m enjoying it and learning a lot from Gavin,” said Steve. 
“I worked under Whitey as well and learnt a lot under him as well as Brian Khan and John Quinn when they were there. Gavin has a few different ideas and different takes on things than Whitey would have had so it’s good to see the different ways of doing things. I’m enjoying it. Gavin has given me licence to do some things. He might give me a topic to cover and it’s up to me how I do that and I’m enjoying that side of it because it gives me a chance to put my plans in place, as long as it ties in with his overall plans.”
Friday night sees the visit of high flying Ards, captained by Steve’s centre half partner from last season, Emmett Friars. While the pair know each others game well, there will be little sympathy for his ex-teammate when the pair meet on the pitch. 
“Emmett is a good lad. He is their captain and has scored a couple of goals well and is obviously enjoying it up there and it will be nice to have him back down, but hopefully he will be leaving with no points,” he said. 
“Ards have started really well and they seem to have a lot of experience in their team. They are getting results and no doubt they will be full of confidence so it is going to be a tough game, but hopefully we can match their effort and work rate and get another good performance.”