Whitey Anderson has dipped into the transfer market to strengthen his defence with just over a week remaining before the start of the league season, with Premier League winner Emmett Friars joining the Mallards until the end of January after agreeing a loan deal from Crusaders. Friars can play at left back but will more likely be deployed in a centre back role at Ferney Park as the manager looks to reinforce an area of the pitch weakened by the departure of former captain Mark Stafford.

Friars’ experience could prove vital as the Mallards look to start the season in positive fashion. The 29 year old made 14 appearances for Notts County as a teenager before returning to Northern Ireland. He represented Northern Ireland Under 21s and played for Newry City, Derry City and Dungannon Swifts before moving to Portadown where he was a regular in the 2013/14 season making 31 appearances. He was released by the Ports at the start of last season and was immediately snapped up by Crusaders, but he struggled to force his way into the side and made only six appearances during their title winning campaign. Ballymena failed with a loan move for the defender in the January transfer window but Ballinamallard were able to complete the switch in time for Emmett to play 70 minutes in Tuesday night’s friendly against Dergview, which the Mallards won 5-0 as they continue their build up to their fourth season in the top flight.

Dergview started brightly and it was against the run of play when Liam Martin opened the scoring. Former Mallard Dwayne McManus hit the crossbar twice for the Championship side, but as the game progressed Dergview made numerous changes and the Mallards started to dominate. Aaron Patterson scored from a free kick and Ryan Campbell added a third before a Martin tap in and a McCartney penalty completed the win.

It was the Mallard’s second win over Championship opposition in a week following their 1-0 victory against Ards last weekend, where Jason McCartney scored the only goal of the game in what was a good test for the Mallards.

“It was a very good workout for the whole squad,” said Whitey. “Ards are a very good team and they gave us a good game. They are a good championship side and will be challenging for promotion this season, but we came through it well and kept a clean sheet and didn’t pick up any new injuries.” Cathal Beacom has a calf strain and is getting married at the weekend so will miss the start of the new season, but Whitey is hopeful he will be the only absentee. Ryan Campbell and new signing Shane McCabe both missed the match with slight hamstring strains but the manager is confident that the pair will be fit for the first game against Warrenpoint on Saturday 8th August.

Having brought in a number of new players Whitey has been concentrating on integrating the new boys with the rest of the squad, and he is hopeful it will all come together for the season opener.

“I’m pleased with the squad we have and the players we have and I think we will get stronger as we go along,” he said. “Certainly I am happy with the individual players we have brought in, but we have to gel very quickly. It’s all about togetherness and getting ourselves a good start”