Preparations for the new Championship season will move on another notch for Harry McConkey and his Ballinamallard squad this Saturday as they play their first friendly game of pre-season against Institute on Fisher Park (2pm).
The new look Mallards have been working hard to get ready for life in the Championship following their relegation from the Premiership last season and McConkey says that they are looking forward to the first game.
“We feel we are halfway through our preparations and the key thing now is that we are looking forward to our first friendly game against Institute at Fisher Park on Saturday,” said McConkey, who intends to cast his eye over the majority of his squad in the game. 
“We will look at maybe a 20 man squad for that and that will give me an opportunity to look at some of our young players as well as give some of our senior players 45 minutes. 
“It’s great to be playing an opposition like ‘Stute because we know the tempo of the game will be good and the technical level of their game is very good and that is exactly what we want to start instilling in our own players – good habits both in and out of possession. That’s what this is all about and results are clearly something that we won’t be looking towards too heavily, it is more about the performances of the players and an understanding built here.” 
The Mallards enjoyed a pre-season work out in Sligo last Saturday while the U20s had a 4-1 win over Dergview Reserves with the goals coming from Sean McEvoy (2), John Edgar and Sam Robb.
“Half the squad went to Strandhill at the weekend and half went with the Reserves and I was delighted to see some of the youngsters got game time on Saturday.
“In terms of the trip to Strandhill, it was more of a morale booster for the first team and for the new signings to integrate with the staff and players. The boys worked hard on the sand dunes and the beach runs and they cooled down in the water. We then went for something to eat and watched the England game in Sligo before coming on home.”
There are plenty of quality friendly games on the horizon for McConkey’s charges against Premiership opposition while they will also play Enniskillen Rangers while they have also added a game against Annagh United on August 4. And all the games will be about being ready for the opening game in the league on Saturday August 11 against Limavady United at Ferney Park.
“When you are training it is always good to know that you have a good game coming up. We have some great games against the likes of Newry, Cliftonville and Dungannon and they are good games to have for the players. 
“We also know though that the games we have against Enniskillen Rangers and Annagh are good games in that you are looking to find different solutions as they will raise their game and work really hard because they will see us just as we see the Premiership teams so they will be a great work out. 
“There is also the mental thing about are you consistent enough in your play to take the same attitude from playing a Premiership club to playing a club that is at a lower level and you could easily become complacent against,” stated the Mallards boss.