Ballinamallard took a point off the league leaders as they played out a goalless draw with Institute at Ferney Park.

'Stute had edged both of the sides' previous matches this season by a single goal, but the Mallards’ recent defensive solidity was once again on show as they kept a clean sheet to share the points and maintain eighth place in the NIFL Championship table.

Captain Aaron Arkinson returned to the starting line-up after missing out against Knockbreda, and Ryan Morris also returned in defence with Dean Corrigan and Josh McIlwaine dropping to the substitute’s bench.

Ballinamallard had been in a rich vein of form at home having won each of their last three fixtures at Ferney Park, and they started in confident fashion against the Championship pacesetters, with midfielder James McGrath firing narrowly wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area.

They continued to take the game to Institute with McGrath just failing to get a touch on a dangerous Simon Warrington cross, and Darragh Byrne blasted over the crossbar from close range.

Holder was making his trademark bursting runs from midfield, and when he was brought down 25 yards from goal it presented McGrath with an opportunity from a free kick, but his effort was deflected away from danger by the wall.

The two teams boasted the best defensive records in the Championship, and defences remained on top in a tightly contested second half that yielded little in the way of goalscoring opportunities.

Former Northern Ireland international Daniel Lafferty fired over the bar for Institute as the visitors started to gain a foothold in the contest, but the Mallards' defence was resolute and former Mallard Jamie Dunne was substituted on his return to Ferney.

Ballinamallard brought on Daniel Barker for his senior debut as they looked for a spark in attack that would give them the breakthrough goal, and it was almost provided by fellow substitute John Edgar.

The midfielder looked to have a clear sight of goal with five minutes remaining, but a last ditch block by a defender deflected the ball over the bar and from the resulting corner Richie Johnston headed over the bar.

The draw saw Institute slip off the top of the table, with Ballinamallard now five points off a top six spot ahead of Saturday’s game against Newington.