Ballinamallard manager Gavin Dykes is hoping that his side can push on after they secured their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw with Cliftonville at Ferney Park on Saturday.
The Mallards showed plenty of determination and grit, especially in the second half when they came under increasing pressure from the Reds to hold on for the draw and the reaction following the hammering at Glenavon four days earlier was something that pleased Dykes.
“Work rate, honesty, endeavour, all the things that this club demands that the players do, we got.
“We are delighted with it, we dug in and showed great character and great heart. It has been a tough week, we took a hiding on Tuesday night but we got a reaction from the players and hopefully now we can push on,” stated the Mallards boss.
Next up for Ballinamallard is an away game against Carrick Rangers on Friday night and Dykes is looking to get a result.
“When went up there last year and we drew with them and we beat them so we look forward to it. We will score goals, it’s just a matter of organisation and tightening up at the back,” he said.
Indeed, defensively, the Mallards were a lot tighter on Saturday with Aaron Canning impressing alongside Matty Smyth in the heart of the defence after he completed his loan switch from Glenavon on Thursday.
“ Aaron Canning came in and I thought he was excellent. He has not played in a long time but the board have helped me go and get him and I’m delighted with him.
“Defensively we were a lot better on Saturday and we dealt well with the threat of Joe Gormley although going forward we could have been a bit better. Fair play though to Cliftonville, they are a really good side and their movement is really good,” added Dykes.
The addition of Canning brought the number of new faces at Ferney Park to seven and Dykes is still in the market for one more.
“I’m delighted with the backing that the people at this club have given me. We don’t have the biggest budget but anytime I go looking for something they do their best to do it. I’m hoping to try and get one more as well.
 “We have a new group and it is going to take time for it all to gel together but I’m happy with it.”