Despite suffering their second defeat in row, Ballinamallard Under 12s produced a superb performance against league leaders Linfield.
It was arguably one of the best performances of the season from the young Mallards as they produced a battling performance against a talented Belfast outfit.
Plenty of compliments were handed out following the game from opposition parents and coaches. Former NI midfielder Iain Stewart spoke to coach Sam Gamble after the game and stated that it was the best game of youth football he had seen all season. He also complimented the Mallards on their style of play and praised them for their efforts.
The early stages of the tie were a midfield battle. Irvine, Browne, Holder and Jones were outmuscling their illustrious opponents to every ball.
Owens and McGrath were a constant threat on the break and the Mallards could very well have gone in front.
However, Linfield took the lead following a scramble in the box following a corner kick. The Mallards had defended resolutely from set pieces but a wicked bounce in the box saw Linfield scramble the ball home.
Despite going behind the Mallards responded superbly, Owens raced through on goal following excellent work by Jones. However, the sticky surface prevented Owens from getting a decent effort on goal.
At half time the Mallards were despondent, as they had produced a battling first half performance.
However, wise words from Sam and Dessie Gamble left the Mallards pumped up for the second half.
The Mallards back four had a superb game. Skipper Smyth had his best game of the season at sweeper, as he pounced on any loose ball and distributed superbly.
Kinnear and Kennedy were strong and aggressive in the full back roles. Toal also was growing into the game and was passing the ball out with precision to his midfield.
Unfortunately, Linfield grabbed a second with a ruthless counter attack. The Linfield right winger raced down the right wing and fired home.
Once again this was a major test of the Fermanagh sides character and as they have done all season, they responded superbly. The final ten minutes of the tie were dominated by the Mallards.
Owens raced through on goal once again and fired over when it looked easier to score.
Centre forward Gallagher, who was in sublime form, played in Keaney but he saw his effort blocked by the Linfield rearguard.
The away side were thrown a lifeline moment later. Linfield failed to clear their lines and the keeper raced out and collected a back pass.
Despite having their first effort ruled out, the Mallards punished the Belfast side with a precise free kick. Gallagher played the ball to Jones, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net.
Linfield were in disarray as the Mallards pushed forward. The Mallards with the last kick of the game nearly claimed a deserved draw. Keaney unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards, which was saved superbly by the Linfield keeper.
It was just not meant to be.
On another day the Mallards would have came away with a draw and perhaps even all three points.
With league title aspirations all but ended the Mallards will now use this season to develop and continue to play the attractive style of football that they have been so often complimented for.
It was arguably one of the best performances of the season from the young Mallards as they produced a battling performance against a talented Belfast outfit.
Plenty of compliments were handed out following the game from opposition parents and coaches. Former NI midfielder Iain Stewart spoke to coach Sam Gamble after the game and stated that it was the best game of youth football he had seen all season. He also complimented the Mallards on their style of play and praised them for their efforts.
The early stages of the tie were a midfield battle. Irvine, Browne, Holder and Jones were outmuscling their illustrious opponents to every ball.
Owens and McGrath were a constant threat on the break and the Mallards could very well have gone in front.
However, Linfield took the lead following a scramble in the box following a corner kick. The Mallards had defended resolutely from set pieces but a wicked bounce in the box saw Linfield scramble the ball home.
Despite going behind the Mallards responded superbly, Owens raced through on goal following excellent work by Jones. However, the sticky surface prevented Owens from getting a decent effort on goal.
At half time the Mallards were despondent, as they had produced a battling first half performance.
However, wise words from Sam and Dessie Gamble left the Mallards pumped up for the second half.
The Mallards back four had a superb game. Skipper Smyth had his best game of the season at sweeper, as he pounced on any loose ball and distributed superbly.
Kinnear and Kennedy were strong and aggressive in the full back roles. Toal also was growing into the game and was passing the ball out with precision to his midfield.
Unfortunately, Linfield grabbed a second with a ruthless counter attack. The Linfield right winger raced down the right wing and fired home.
Once again this was a major test of the Fermanagh sides character and as they have done all season, they responded superbly. The final ten minutes of the tie were dominated by the Mallards.
Owens raced through on goal once again and fired over when it looked easier to score.
Centre forward Gallagher, who was in sublime form, played in Keaney but he saw his effort blocked by the Linfield rearguard.
The away side were thrown a lifeline moment later. Linfield failed to clear their lines and the keeper raced out and collected a back pass.
Despite having their first effort ruled out, the Mallards punished the Belfast side with a precise free kick. Gallagher played the ball to Jones, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net.
Linfield were in disarray as the Mallards pushed forward. The Mallards with the last kick of the game nearly claimed a deserved draw. Keaney unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards, which was saved superbly by the Linfield keeper.
It was just not meant to be.
On another day the Mallards would have came away with a draw and perhaps even all three points.
With league title aspirations all but ended the Mallards will now use this season to develop and continue to play the attractive style of football that they have been so often complimented for.
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