Gary Armstrong is hoping that he can build on his first goal of the season, as he seeks to force his way into the manager’s first team plans. 
The former Sligo player is in his second season at the club and has so far failed to hold down a regular spot in the starting eleven having made just five starts this campaign, but he is hoping his goal against Ballymena last Saturday will kick start his career at Ballinamallard.
“I was delighted and hopefully that will help me kick on,” said the twenty one year old. 
“It has been a wee bit frustrating but I’m sure I have turned the corner now. I’m definitely ready to force my way back into the team permanently and hopefully help get a few points on the board because that is what we desperately need. 
“It’s not just about me. Other players are disappointed about not getting into the team and everybody is fighting for the same thing to try and get us out of trouble.”
Ballinamallard rode their luck at times against Ballymena, but Armstrong’s goal from close range after 84 minutes gave the visitors a chance of an unlikely point. 
“In the first half we weren’t at our best, but I thought in the second half we were much better,” said the goal scorer. 
“It was my first of the season and they are not coming too often so I was glad to get one, but we didn’t get anything from the game and that was obviously disappointing. It was fortunate enough that I was running behind the defender and he didn’t look at all to see where I was. It was along ball from Brushy and Niall Owens did very well and put in a great ball between the goalkeeper and the centre halves and I managed to get in at the back post and tap it in. 
“Ballymena had their chances, in fairness, but I thought we could have nicked something near the end. We had couple of opportunities and a couple of balls into the box but just couldn’t finish it off.”
Armstrong was signed from Sligo Rovers as an attacking option having worked with Gavin Dykes at his previous club, but he has found himself rotated through a variety of positions this season. 
He has started games at right wing back when the manager opted to play a back five, and has also appeared on both sides of the midfield but he admits he much prefers a more attacking role.
“I would probably prefer to be out on the right or in behind the striker,” Gary admitted. 
“Definitely in a more attacking position anyway, but I don’t mind where I play. I’m there to do a job for the team. I had a target of getting a goal, but now that is out of the way I will be playing it game by game and see how it goes. If I can get goals or assists, it doesn’t bother me as long as it can help us get out of the position we are in.”
Next up for the Mallards is a trip to Glentoran this Saturday and Gary has vowed they will go for the win. 
“We have to go there with an attacking mind set,” he said. 
“I think we have to get something from the game, big time. As much as they are probably looking at us as an easy three points, we are going there thinking we can get something. 
“Looking at the games ahead, there is Ards, Carrick and Warrenpoint coming up and we have to play those teams at least three times so there are plenty of points to play for there. 
“We can definitely get out of it. Everything is good in the camp. All the players and the staff are behind Gavin and we all believe we can get out of trouble. It’s not all doom and gloom.”