Richard Clarke has vowed to give everything on the final day of the season in a bid to haul Ballinamallard off the foot of the Premier League table and escape automatic relegation. 
A draw against Ards last weekend coupled with Carrick’s unexpected victory against Glentoran leaves Ballinamallard’s fate out of their own hands, but Clarke is still confident that the Mallards can turn their fortunes around at the Oval on Saturday.
“We are going to throw everything at it,” said the midfielder. 
“It’s important we have a good positive mind-set. We have picked up ten points in the split so far to put ourselves in a fighting position and we are still confident of getting that play-off spot. 
“We spoke about it and we need to all stick together. We have a big week in training to prepare for Glentoran.”
The Mallards went into the Ards match still elated from the victory over Carrick earlier in the week, but they struggled to match that intensity and quality in the early stages of the game. 
“We had three tough games last week and put a lot into Tuesday night and I think that maybe showed at the start of the Ards game,” admitted Richard. 
“I think we started the game very sloppily with a poor tempo but we showed a bit of character and scored a good goal straight away after their goal. I think from then on in it was probably pretty even. Both teams had chances and didn’t take them and in the end a draw was probably a fair result. 
“Ards didn’t really need to go for it and we did, but unfortunately it didn’t come for us.”
Clarke did not foresee a relegation battle when he arrived at the club as Gavin Dykes’ big name summer signing. Having spent much of his Irish League career fighting for titles, he was thrown into a midfield that struggled to impose themselves in a difficult campaign. 
Clarke did not have the impact that many supporters had hoped in those early clashes, but he has been revitalised since the arrival of Harry McConkey. 
“I think since Harry has come in he has given me a bit of confidence,” said Clarke. 
“He has said I will be playing and he wants me to play, and just to lead out there. I’m really pleased that I have had a contribution towards our good form. Obviously I would have loved to have more of it throughout the season, but hopefully it has come at the right time and hopefully I can help the team again next week.”
While the draw against Ards was not enough to keep them off the bottom of the table, the point means they have only lost one of Harry McConkey’s seven league games. 
If they can keep that unbeaten sequence going then Carrick will have to get a result in their final game against Warrenpoint. 
“Look at our record all year and how far we have come in the last month or so,” said Clarke. 
“We probably should have been dead and buried after the Ards result at Ferney Park when they beat us 4-0, but Harry has come in and there is still a bit of confidence in us. We will prepare well and be ready. It will be an interesting last day!”