Ballinamallard Utd 2 Glentoran 2

Ballinamallard had to settle for a point against Glentoran today as James Knowles 93rd minutes free kick denied them all three points at Ferney Park.

The Mallards had looked to be in the driving seat as they led 2-1 as the game moved into injury time but Knowles arrowed home a well drilled free kick to snatch a share of the spoils for the Glens.

Although it ended in a disappointing manner, there were plenty of positives for the Mallards, not least the performances of the new signings with Sean Noble making it two in two while Michael Kerr, Packie Mailey, Davy Kee and Stephen O'Flynn all performed well.

Indeed, O'Flynn should have wrapped up all three points for Gavin Dykes side midway through the second half but he could only direct the ball at Glens goalkeeper Elliott Morris from a yard out after good work on the right by Noble.

And although the Mallards appealed that the ball had crossed the line the officials waved away their appeals as it remained 2-1.

Ballinamallard produced their best 45 minutes of the season in the first half as they looked threatening from the off.

And with 13 minutes gone Noble opened the scoring as he ran on to Shane McGinty's pass before ramming a low shot to the back of the net.

Glentoran hit back to equalise six minutes later through Curtis Allen as he turned home Knowles free kick but it was the Mallards who continued to carry the great threat.

James McKenna was denied by a fine Morris save before the home side regained the lead when Ryan Curran slotted home from the penalty spot after McGinty was taken down.

And it could have been three on the stroke of half time but Morris produced a great save as he palmed Noble's thumping free kick on to the bar.

O'Flynn then had the chance to put the game out of the Glens reach but he failed to take it while Noble was denied by a last ditch tackle.

At the other end, Glentoran had their chances and Alen twice went close.

Just when it looked though as if Ballinamallard would pick up a crucial three points in their battle to climb off the foot of the table up popped Knowles with the equaliser.