Ballinamallard fell just short of reaching their first ever senior cup final when they lost to a late goal in a thrilling League Cup semi-final clash against Ballymena. The goal in the closing minutes of the game came from a free kick awarded for a foul by Stuart Hutchinson but manager Whitey Anderson was fuming with the decision after the final whistle, claiming the Ballymena player had made the most of the challenge.

“The decision for their third goal is nothing short of scandalous,” blasted Whitey. “The player bought the free kick and he got it. I just think we were denied extra time by a very poor decision by the referee. It was a scandalous decision. Some of the decisions in the second half by the linesman on our side and the referee were questionable and quite incredible!” Up until the deciding goal the Mallards had more than matched their opponents, and despite defeat the boss was proud of his team’s efforts.

“I thought we were brilliant,” he said. “We showed great character and I’m very proud of the players. The commitment and drive and effort they put in. I think the goal just before half time changed the complexion of the game. It gave them a lift and they came out in the second half and went 2-1 up. We were unfortunate at 2-2 when the keeper made a good save from Liam Martin, and then they scored very late on and there was no time to come back. We just didn’t get that wee break we needed in the second half.” Ballinamallard’s performance, particularly in the first half, could have seen them well ahead in the game but despite the heartbreak of conceding a late goal and losing a game they came so close to winning, the manager was trying to focus on the positives.

“After the match I spoke to the boys in the dressing room and told them they have to carry that form through into the league,” he said. “You can’t fault their commitment and desire tonight and on another day we would have been the winners but Ballymena got that stroke of luck and good luck to them. I wish them all the best.”