Ballinamallard winger Johnny Courtney capped his first league start of the season with the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Glentoran, and after a frustrating run of results the 20 year old reckons the win could kick start Ballinamallard’s season.

“It would probably be our best performance of the season,” he said. “I thought we played very well. We defended well and I thought we had a real threat on the counter attack which we probably hadn’t had in recent weeks. I don’t think they had many chances in the game and we looked dangerous on the counter attack, especially in the second half.” Courtney’s first competitive goal for the club came in a cup tie in January against Dungannon, but his strike against Glentoran is undoubtedly the most valuable goal he has scored, and it capped a good performance from the winger.

“I slipped it in to Cathal Beacom and it took and few deflections and ricochets and it came back on to my left foot and I tried to hit it across the keeper,” he recalled. “I don’t know how well I caught it but it went in anyway!” Johnny endured a frustrating start to the season when a hamstring injury ruled him out of the entire pre-season build up. Once he shook off his injury he made several substitute appearances and impressed, but went off again with a back injury during the disappointing defeat to Carrick Rangers at Ferney Park. He has made a full recovery now and he is hopeful that he can produce enough quality to earn himself a regular starting spot in the team. “That was the first time I have had 90 minutes in a few months and hopefully I can keep that going now,” he said.

“Against Glentoran I thought I struggled a bit but after about 30 or 35 minutes I got my second wind and I went on to do okay. You have to continuously keep putting performances in and getting results if you want to keep your place in the team. I have been happy with how I have been playing and the big thing is being able to get on the pitch injury free. I’m 20 now and I feel this season I have to kick on and make a name for myself at this club and in the league.”