Ballinamallard manager Harry McConkey is hoping to strengthen his hand in the coming weeks for the forthcoming season with the Ducks boss currently talking to a number of players about joining the Ferney Park based club.

The Mallards will be aiming to build on a good campaign last season before it was brought to a halt due to the ongoing coronavirus situation.

And having lost Ryan O’Reilly and Sean McAvoy to Cliftonville and Bray Wanderers respectively while Nathan Cashel has left to join Kesh, he is keen to bring in additions to the squad.

“It is that crazy time of year with regards players moving but we are speaking to a number of players at the minute and we will hope to add to the squad,” he said.

McConkey used a number of younger players along with some more experienced faces in the 2-1 win over Maiden City at Ferney Park on Saturday and he was pleased with another good workout for his squad.

The Mallards fell behind early on but replied soon after through veteran striker Ryan Campbell before captain Richard Clarke sealed the win with a second half free kick.

“It was a good workout and a step up from last week’s game against Newbuildings and it was good to see the kids come in and do well.

“Maiden City had a bit of bite and plenty of energy about them and that kept us on our toes and overall it was pleasing. I felt there was some very good combinations and we got a look at the 20 players who were involved,” said McConkey.

Micheal Glynn, Sam Robb and Simon Warrington started the game for the Ducks alongside the experience of the likes of John Connolly, Richard Clarke and Ryan Campbell.

However, it was Maiden City who were to take the lead when a couple of errors let the visitors in to score the opener after seven minutes.

The Ducks though responded well and they had a couple of opportunities before Campbell levelled in the 13th minute.

Clarke cut the defence apart with a through ball to Campbell who produced a typical finish to the corner for 1-1.

John Edgar then went close to putting the Mallards in front but his well struck volley was superbly saved by the goalkeeper while Warrington also had a chance that went wide.

McConkey rang the changes at half time with Darragh Byrne, Reece Byrne, Alex Holder, Lee Frazer, Josh McIlwaine and Callum Frempong all coming in while on the hour mark 16 year old Daniel Gilmore replaced Connolly in goal with Rory Keane coming into the defence and Nick Palmer introduced to the forward line.

The winner for the home side came in the second half with Clarke clipping a free kick over the wall and past the goalkeeper.