Ballinamallard Youth continued their recent good form with a gritty victory over Coleraine at the Bawnacre 3G.
It was a far from impressive performance in the first half but the young Mallards recovered well and played more to their ability in the second.
It was a gritty first half with neither side able to grab a hold of the tie. The first effort of the game came via a Coalter header from a Keaney corner, which was scrambled off the line.
Coleraine were always a threat on the break and they nearly took the lead when Smyth deflected an effort onto the post.
However, the home side finally took the lead from another superb Keaney corner. A Coleraine defender tried to clear the ball but could only divert the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to the Mallards.
Manager Sam Gamble was far from impressed by what had been a poor first half from the Mallards. Despite a number of changes in the side, the home side were capable of performing much better.
The home side dominated the second half but only moments after the interval found themselves conceding a sloppy goal.
A Noble kick out reached a Coleraine midfielder around forty yards out and he thumped an effort over the head of the Mallards keeper to leave it 1-1.
This was the wake up call, which the Mallards needed desperately. The introduction of Gallagher and Owens upfront seemed to spark the Mallards into life.
The Mallards simply could not find a way past the Coleraine keeper who time and time again saved from Holder, Gallagher and Irvine. Irvine also smashed an effort off the upright as the Mallards pushed for that elusive second goal.
Finally the Mallards got themselves back in front. Irvine showed his predatory instincts to scramble the ball home from an inswinging corner.
Owens grabbed a third moments later when Holder played an exquisite through ball and Owens made no mistake as he side-footed home to make it 3-1.
The home side saved their best for last with only five minutes remaining. Holder made one of his trademark runs down the right and cut inside and unleashed a rocket to make it 4-1.
On reflection, it was certainly not one of the better performances from the Mallards this season. However, a number of players were brought into the starting eleven and the likes of Kinnear and Crawford were impressive.
Michael Gallagher was also impressive in the second half as he consistently got in behind the Coleraine defence and was unlucky not to grab himself a goal.
Next week the Mallards will hope to seal their top four finish with a victory over Bertie Peacock in Coleraine.
It was a far from impressive performance in the first half but the young Mallards recovered well and played more to their ability in the second.
It was a gritty first half with neither side able to grab a hold of the tie. The first effort of the game came via a Coalter header from a Keaney corner, which was scrambled off the line.
Coleraine were always a threat on the break and they nearly took the lead when Smyth deflected an effort onto the post.
However, the home side finally took the lead from another superb Keaney corner. A Coleraine defender tried to clear the ball but could only divert the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to the Mallards.
Manager Sam Gamble was far from impressed by what had been a poor first half from the Mallards. Despite a number of changes in the side, the home side were capable of performing much better.
The home side dominated the second half but only moments after the interval found themselves conceding a sloppy goal.
A Noble kick out reached a Coleraine midfielder around forty yards out and he thumped an effort over the head of the Mallards keeper to leave it 1-1.
This was the wake up call, which the Mallards needed desperately. The introduction of Gallagher and Owens upfront seemed to spark the Mallards into life.
The Mallards simply could not find a way past the Coleraine keeper who time and time again saved from Holder, Gallagher and Irvine. Irvine also smashed an effort off the upright as the Mallards pushed for that elusive second goal.
Finally the Mallards got themselves back in front. Irvine showed his predatory instincts to scramble the ball home from an inswinging corner.
Owens grabbed a third moments later when Holder played an exquisite through ball and Owens made no mistake as he side-footed home to make it 3-1.
The home side saved their best for last with only five minutes remaining. Holder made one of his trademark runs down the right and cut inside and unleashed a rocket to make it 4-1.
On reflection, it was certainly not one of the better performances from the Mallards this season. However, a number of players were brought into the starting eleven and the likes of Kinnear and Crawford were impressive.
Michael Gallagher was also impressive in the second half as he consistently got in behind the Coleraine defence and was unlucky not to grab himself a goal.
Next week the Mallards will hope to seal their top four finish with a victory over Bertie Peacock in Coleraine.
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