The result was more important than the performance on Saturday, as Ballinamallard edged a nail biting contest with Knockbreda to stay in contention for promotion.

The Mallards looked to have the game wrapped up when they moved into a 3-0 lead after 50 minutes, but two goals from Knockbreda changed the complexion of the match as the Ducks desperately clung on to their lead in the closing moments.

“I was never as relieved to hear the final whistle in my life,” admitted manager Harry McConkey.

“We had to come away with three points, in whatever shape or form, but I don’t think I could have predicted the form it came in

“It was complete relief. We were in so much control, and then we lost that authority in the game to the point where we were almost fighting for our lives, and in fairness to the boys they did do that.

“As ugly as it was, it got us over the line.”

Three goals ahead and with a numerical advantage after a first half sending off for Knockbreda, the manager could not see the collapse coming.

“We started with real intent,” said McConkey.

“We got on the front foot and caused problems on both flanks with Sean McEvoy on the left and Callum Moorehead on the right. Jamie Ray made a great penalty save from O’Neill and that can give you inspiration, and we went forward and caused them problems again.

“We needed to be a bit cleverer and take good care of the ball and get better deliveries in because they were working very hard.

“We knew that even with them having ten men it was vital we get the third goal. Five minutes into the second half we did that, and we looked in a very good position to push on.”

The game changed when the home team scored their first goal after 65 minutes.

The previously commanding Ballinamallard suddenly looking nervous as Knockbreda seized the momentum. Although Ballinamallard successfully held on to take all three points, the manager expects his players have learnt a valuable lesson.

“Hopefully the players will learn from that, because they know how horrible it felt when things started to slip from us,” he said.

“We needed to keep our calmness, and we lost it for a while. I was extremely frustrated because it looked like the game was dead, but when they scored they had all the momentum. We were in a panic, and it was totally unnecessary.

“It was worrying, but in the end we had people who put their bodies on the line. It gives us now a good opportunity to get the buzz back in training and get ready for Loughgall knowing we are still alive in this.

“We had four big players out in Stafford, Tweed, Banda and Brown, but we have still scored four goals and got three points. We came out the other side of it with a positive result, which was what was needed.”

The win moved the Mallards back into third place in the NIFL Championship table, and reduced the gap to Annagh to seven points after their goalless draw with Loughgall.

The Mallards now face a trip to Loughgall - who had a big win over leaders Newry on Tuesday night - knowing a victory would reignite their promotion challenge.

Ben McCann will be suspended following his sending off in the closing moments of the Knockbreda game and Ryan Morris is also unavailable, but Ryan Morrow is set to return after suspension and the manager is hoping that Mark Stafford, Evan Tweed, BJ Banda and Rory Brown will all come into contention for a place in the side next week.