Mallards crash out of cup

Editorial Department • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Andy Crawford’s shot looks goal bound but it unbelievably came off the post and crossbar.

Ballyclare Comrades 1; Ballinamallard United 1 (Ballyclare won 4-3 on pens)

There will be no run to the latter stages of the of the Co-Operative Insurance Cup for Ballinamallard United this season after they crashed out of the competition at the first hurdle on Saturday away to Ballyclare.

Last season the Mallards reached the last eight of the competition before exiting to Portadown and they would have traveled to Ballyclare with the hope of getting a first win of the season and put their name in the hat for the next round but, despite having a hatful of chances, Ballinamallard were to go out after a penalty shoot out.

“We were poor in the first half, it was probably our worst 45 minutes so far this season, but we were much better in the second half and we totally dominated the game and created plenty of chances. There comes a time though when you have to start making your own luck. There is no point playing good football if you don’t put the ball in the net,” was Anderson’s honest assessment of the game.

It was a shaky first half display from Whitey Anderson’s troops and it was the home side who deservedly took a one goal advantage in at the interval with Simms rising unchallenged to nod home a Scott Irvine cross after 21 minute. Stuart Hutchinson did have a half chance for the away side while striker Andy Crawford fired wide from a good opportunity.

It was a much improved performance however from the Fermanagh outfit after the break and as they went on boss matters. And they were almost back on level terms immediately when Darren Teague’s cross to the back post was met by Crawford but his effort somehow stayed out, hitting both the post and the crossbar.

The Mallards started to cracnk up the pressure on Ballyclare with Chris Curran rattling the post in the 54th minute although the away side were kept in the game by a Mark McConkey clearance off the line.

A Ballinamallard goal was looking more likely and they eventually made the breakthrough in the 76th minute when a Teague shot was deflected into the net by McManus for the side’s first goal of the season.

And Ballinamallard had opportunities to seal the win late on but both Curran and Gary Maguire had shots that went agonisingly past the post as the tie went to extra time.

Extra time was evenly contested between the sides although the chances continued to come for the Mallards with Curran, Crawford and debutant Ciaran Harpur all having efforts. There was to be no further goals though leaving the game to be decided on penalties.

It was Ballinamallard who took the early advantage as they went 2-1 up but it was Ballyclare who were to claim the victory as they finished up 4-3 winners.

Next up for Ballinamallard is an away league game against Larne on September 4 and Anderson should have more players available. Both Mark Stafford and Cathal Beacom should come back into contention while Leon Carters has returned to training.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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