Livingstone plunders all three points

Editorial Department • Published 18 Feb 2010 10:25 0 Comments

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Ballinamallard's Robert McAuley tangles with Tummery's Peter Gormley as the Mallards bagged a late goal to take all three points back to Fermanagh.

Trailing 2-1 and down to ten men, Ballinamallard Reserves had to do it the hard way on Saturday as goals from Lloyd McFarland and Simon Livingstone saw them turn the game around to collect the three points against Tummery Athletic.

Things looked to be going against Neil Coulter's side after they lost midfielder Nathan Khan following a second yellow card ten minutes into the second half but player-manager Coulter was delighted with the attributes shown by his side as they went on to clinch a 3-2 victory.

"I was very happy with the boys character. I thought it was going to be another of those days when we lost the man but in fairness to the boys they showed a lot of determination and that is what they will need to show over the remainder of the season," stated Coulter.

The away side got off to the perfect start to the contest when they grabbed the lead inside the opening five minutes through Lloyd McFarland. Robert McAuley broke up play in the middle of the park and Livingstone and Jarno Glass were involved in the move to tee up McFarland who slid the ball home.

However, Tummery were soon to restore parity as Barry McCann nodded home from close range after Johnny Windsor headed a cross from the right back across goal.

The Mallards did have chances through McAuley and Livingstone but they failed to find the net, Livingstone's in particular being a gilt edged opportunity, but as half time approached it was the home side who went on to snatch the advantage. Ballinamallard only managed to clear a corner to the edge of the box and Windsor laid the ball off to McCann who sidestepped inside a defender before thumping a superb effort to the corner of the net for 2-1.

The Mallards looked to be in trouble when they had Khan sent to the line after he picked up a second booking ten minutes after half time but they redoubled their efforts and with McAuley and Livingstone grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck they managed to turn the game around.

With 25 minutes to go, McFarland notched his second of the game to level matters, Mattie Maguire and Darrin Simpson involved in the build up before McFarland crashed home a 25 yard screamer.

Peter Gormley went close to putting Tummery back in front but his header came back off Mattie Quinn's post and with 15 minutes left to play the Mallards struck the winner.

Despite being a man down Ballinamallard had gained the momentum and when Neil Coulter's long free kick caused confusion in the Tummery defence, Livingstone was on hand to nip in and guide the ball to the net to give the Mallards the points.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 10

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