Ballinamallard will move into the Championship promotion places for the first time this season if they can secure victory over Loughgall on Saturday.

The clash between the two teams is a second versus third encounter with both teams locked together on 30 points, with nine wins and three draws apiece, and Ballinamallard Manager Harry McConkey is expecting the match to be just as tight at the league standings suggest.

“The last time we played them there was very little between the teams on the day, and every time we go up there to Lakeview Park it is a tight pitch, and it is always a battle,” he said.

“They have had their own share of injuries and key players out, but they are now coming back and they beat Institute 2-0 on Saturday, so they are getting onto a roll.

“In the past we have put in some great performances there, and we know for sure it’s going to take another big one from us to try and stay with them.

“We will jump ahead of them if we manage to get one over them, but we are not even halfway through the season and we have much still to work on.

“We are glad to find ourself making progress in the table, but we know how quickly that can change. We will go and give it our very best shot as we have tried to do all season.”

The sides played out a goalless draw the last time they met, but McConkey is hoping the return of some long term absentees will help the Mallards in their bid for victory.

Central defender Ben McCann made his long awaited return from injury on Saturday against Ballyclare, and the Manager was also excited to get a glimpse of what Sean McEvoy may add to his squad.

“Sean is back in permanently with us now that his Gaelic commitments are over, and we are looking forward to him taking off and making an impact,” said McConkey.

“Clearly when he came on the pitch [against Ballyclare] we could see his qualities, and we are looking forward to be able to use him on a more permanent basis and I know he is looking forward to it himself.

“I thought having Ben McCann back in for 90 minutes was fantastic as well. He has a great presence, and although he is still a young lad, he has been round the block with this team for years, and has played in the Premiership.

“His experience and quiet leadership is very effective and it was lovely to see him back in there.”

Ryan Morrow is available again after missing out on Saturday, and the Manager is hopeful that Reece Byrne will be available for selection after shaking off a knock.

Lee Warnock has made a rapid recovery from surgery four weeks ago, and he is set to resume light training this week.

Although McCann has returned to the back line, Dean Curry remains sidelined through injury, and Colm McLaughlin will also be unavailable for this weekend’s match, as will winger Jason McCartney.