Ballinamallard manager Harry McConkey was delighted with the response he got from his players as they bounced back from Saturday’s disappointing 5-3 loss to H&W Welders with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Institute at Ferney Park on Tuesday night.

“It was great to get that response, and these boys have done that so often,” said McConkey.

“The back three were excellent as they were playing together for the first time, and they gave us a great platform along with Clarkey and Chris Kelly protecting them.

“The two wide players (Ryan Morrow and Jason McCartney) got us forward as well, and all three of our front men were very busy and occupied their back three and caused them all sorts of problems.

“I think we passed the ball really well and we played with a great intensity when we needed to. It is always nice to win at home in front of our own fans and give them four goals,” he added.

Despite the comfortable looking final scoreline, the manager admitted there were several key moments in the match that had a huge impact on the result.

“We scored four very good goals and created other chances, but there were key moments in the game where Rory pulled off saves that would have let them back into it. That was very important, especially at 1-0, and a couple of times in the second half at 2-0,” he commented.

The win confirms Ballinamallard’s sixth place in the NIFL Championship table, with the top six teams now separated by only five points.

Supporters will look towards Saturday’s home fixture against bottom club Queens as an opportunity to continue their climb up the table, but McConkey is wary of the threat the students will pose.

“It is very true that there are no easy game in this league,” he said.

“The Welders scraped through and could easily have lost to Queens, and Newry were the same. Top teams have come out on the right side of the result, but Queens have given them a game.

“Peter Thompson is a very astute coach, and he is squeezing every drop out of those lads. He has a limited squad with a limited budget, so he doesn’t have the strength in depth that some clubs have, but they try to play good, attractive football and he won’t revert to the long ball game.

“From the games I have seen of them, they have always been in the game but haven’t been able to convert some of their very good play. We are not a team that is good enough to take that for granted and we really have to work hard to get any points in this league.

“We will be doing just that on Saturday. It’s nice to be at home again and I hope we can give the supporters another good day,” said the Mallards boss.