Ballinamallard manager Harry McConkey has called for cool heads this Saturday as the Ducks survival bid goes down to the wire with a trip to the Oval to face Glentoran.
The Mallards slipped back to the bottom of the table last Saturday on goal difference after Carrick claimed the points against the Glens and things could swing one way and then other this Saturday depending on the score at the Oval and in Carrick’s away game against Warrenpoint Town.
McConkey though says that keeping their patience will be crucial for his side.
“Patience is the key and having that cool head to stick to the game plan and see things through. 
“It is going to be a real tester for the boys but it is a game they should really be relishing,” said the Mallards boss.
Although they fell behind Carrick again last Saturday, McConkey stresses that they would have taken the position they find themselves now in when he took charge of the first team just six weeks ago. 
At that point they were seven points behind Carrick but an impressive run of one defeat in seven games has them in contention for a play-off spot going into the last day.
“We would have settled for this when I first came in on March 15 and it is a fantastic game for us now. 
“We are going to one of the most well renowned stadiums of Northern Ireland football and was graced by our own Jimmy Cleary for years so we are going to go and embrace this challenge,” he added.
Like all the games since he took over, McConkey is focused on having his side as prepared as possible for the challenge that lies ahead on Saturday.
“We’ll be preparing like we have been for the other games and I have some very good clips on Glentoran that we will be looking at. 
“We will examine them to see where we can hurt them but we know that we have to take care of our own game and play to our own strengthens,” he commented.
The Ballinamallard boss also feels that with them bottom, the pressure is possibly more on Carrick going into the final game.
“I think in some ways when we beat Carrick it lifted an element of pressure of them going to the Oval and now maybe the pendulum has swung the other way and the pressure is a bit more on them,” said the Mallards manager.
The focus for Ballinamallard on Saturday will be on winning the game and seeing where that leaves them at the final whistle.
 McConkey knows though that he may have to react to what is going on elsewhere but he acknowledges that he must do that without creating any panic for the players.
“There is no doubt that you have to be able to react to situations but with a calmness and coolness. 
“You can’t get hyped up in the emotions of you have to score here because that can cause an edginess.
“You live and die by your decisions as a manager and players have to trust you and you have to trust them. 
“I think that’s the way we have been for the last seven games and I think there has been a great mutual respect for each other and together we just have to try and keep what I call the blues heads on and stay as cool as we possibly can. We have to focus on the game,” explained McConkey.
In terms of personnel for the game, Davy Kee has been ruled out but both Michael Kerr and Ross Taheny will be available for crunch clash.
“Davy is out but Michael Kerr is back, he arrived straight to the game last week from the airport and was keen to be involved in the warm up even though he wasn’t in the 16.
“Ross had to come off last week with a head injury but he should be available this week,” commented the Ballinamallard chief.