Mallards 1 Sion Swifts 1
Ballinamallard Youth hosted Sion Swifts at the Bawnacre for their first home game in over a month.
The Mallards have faced Sion twice this season, losing out on both occasions, so they were determined to defeat their close rivals.
It was the away side who controlled the early stages. Keeper Noble had to be on his toes as he bravely gathered a low cross at the feet of a striker.
After a few early scares, the home side soon began to get the ball down and play to their strengths. Jones and Irvine were controlling the midfield and Holder and Keaney were making inroads down the flanks.
Sion grew frustrated as the half wore on and their only option was a long punt down field.
The new look centre half pairing of Crawford and Toal took some time to bed in but they were strong in the tackle and distributed the ball superbly.
The best chance of the half fell to Niall Owens. The tricky striker created a yard of space for himself and he saw his effort ricochet off the crossbar and out for throw.
The teams went into the half time interval all square at 0-0.
It was Sion who took an undeserved lead. Holder was penalised for a handball on the edge of the area. Noble could only parry the resulting free kick and it was headed into an empty net.
Manager Sam Gamble responded by throwing on Darragh McGrath and the introduction of the right winger changed the game.
McGrath earned his side a corner after good work down the right. Callum Jones continued his stunning run of form as he curled the corner straight past the keeper. A wonderful goal from the gutsy midfielder.
The Mallards dominated the rest of the tie and will feel aggrieved to have only earned a point for their efforts.
McGrath pounced on a loose clearance and saw his header saved by the keeper. He followed up and saw his effort tipped round the post by the Sion netminder.
McGrath then swung in a stunning cross for Gallagher who failed to hit the target. The final chance of the game fell to Gallagher as he found time and space in the area. Unfortunately the striker could only fire his effort straight at the keeper.
It was an entertaining game for the large crowd who had gathered at the Bawnacre. The tie was sensibly refereed by Dessie Kerr.
The home side continue their league campaign with a home tie against Ridgeway Rovers next Saturday with kick off at 12.30.
Ballinamallard Youth hosted Sion Swifts at the Bawnacre for their first home game in over a month.
The Mallards have faced Sion twice this season, losing out on both occasions, so they were determined to defeat their close rivals.
It was the away side who controlled the early stages. Keeper Noble had to be on his toes as he bravely gathered a low cross at the feet of a striker.
After a few early scares, the home side soon began to get the ball down and play to their strengths. Jones and Irvine were controlling the midfield and Holder and Keaney were making inroads down the flanks.
Sion grew frustrated as the half wore on and their only option was a long punt down field.
The new look centre half pairing of Crawford and Toal took some time to bed in but they were strong in the tackle and distributed the ball superbly.
The best chance of the half fell to Niall Owens. The tricky striker created a yard of space for himself and he saw his effort ricochet off the crossbar and out for throw.
The teams went into the half time interval all square at 0-0.
It was Sion who took an undeserved lead. Holder was penalised for a handball on the edge of the area. Noble could only parry the resulting free kick and it was headed into an empty net.
Manager Sam Gamble responded by throwing on Darragh McGrath and the introduction of the right winger changed the game.
McGrath earned his side a corner after good work down the right. Callum Jones continued his stunning run of form as he curled the corner straight past the keeper. A wonderful goal from the gutsy midfielder.
The Mallards dominated the rest of the tie and will feel aggrieved to have only earned a point for their efforts.
McGrath pounced on a loose clearance and saw his header saved by the keeper. He followed up and saw his effort tipped round the post by the Sion netminder.
McGrath then swung in a stunning cross for Gallagher who failed to hit the target. The final chance of the game fell to Gallagher as he found time and space in the area. Unfortunately the striker could only fire his effort straight at the keeper.
It was an entertaining game for the large crowd who had gathered at the Bawnacre. The tie was sensibly refereed by Dessie Kerr.
The home side continue their league campaign with a home tie against Ridgeway Rovers next Saturday with kick off at 12.30.
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