For those lucky enough to brave the elements on Saturday morning at the Bawnacre on Saturday morning, they witnessed one of the most stunning comebacks ever seen from a Ballinamallard side.
In their first home game of the season, Ballinamallard Under 12s completed a stunning comeback as they came from 4-1 down to seal a sensational 5-4 victory.
Conditions were far from ideal early on, as the young Mallards played into what seemed like a ferocious gale. Limavady took advantage of the conditions and soon found themselves two goals ahead. Two long throws into the box were not dealt with and the away side marched into a two goal lead.
Ballinamallard grabbed a deserved goal before the break after a sustained spell of pressure in the Limavady box. Callum Jones once again crossed with superb accuracy and Josh Toal rose highest to nod home.
However, the young Mallards once again failed to clear their lines effectively as Limavady grabbed a third just before referee McFrederick blew for the half time interval.
The half time interval gave the Mallards a chance to regroup and manager Sam Gamble made a few changes to his tactics and line-up.
Despite the changes the Mallards soon found themselves conceding a fourth. Another long throw caused havoc in the Mallards box and Limavady pounced to increase their lead.
Immediately from the kick off the Mallards responded superbly. Excellent work down the left from Niall Owens was rewarded, as Pearse McNabb rifled home to make it 4-2.
The young Mallards were now playing some superb football. McGrath, Browne and Owens were causing the Limavady defence all sorts of problems. However, Limavady were always dangerous on the break. Seanie Mahon was particularly impressive as he defended resolutely alongside Toal, Smyth and the tenacious Jones.
With only ten minutes left, Alex Holder was rewarded for his hard work as he grabbed a third for the home side. Holder pounced on the ball inside the box and slotted home.
Following a sustained period of pressure, the Mallards grabbed a deserved equaliser with a simply outstanding goal from Niall Owens. The ball was worked out to Owens on the left and he volleyed a wonderful effort into the bottom corner to level the scores. 4-4.
However, just when both sides were ready to accept a point each, the Mallards sealed victory with another outstanding goal. Irvine, who had been superb throughout, picked up a loose ball in the midfield and drove towards goal. Irvine then stunned the home crowd as he rocketed in a superb effort from 25 yards out which the keeper could only palm into the top corner of the goal. Queue celebrations all around the pitch as players, coaches and supporters celebrated a comeback of titanic proportions.
The victory left the Mallards top of the table as they head into a two week break. The determination and grit shown by this young side bodes well for the rest of the season. There were strong showings by Jake Irvine, Niall Owens and Pearse McNabb
In their first home game of the season, Ballinamallard Under 12s completed a stunning comeback as they came from 4-1 down to seal a sensational 5-4 victory.
Conditions were far from ideal early on, as the young Mallards played into what seemed like a ferocious gale. Limavady took advantage of the conditions and soon found themselves two goals ahead. Two long throws into the box were not dealt with and the away side marched into a two goal lead.
Ballinamallard grabbed a deserved goal before the break after a sustained spell of pressure in the Limavady box. Callum Jones once again crossed with superb accuracy and Josh Toal rose highest to nod home.
However, the young Mallards once again failed to clear their lines effectively as Limavady grabbed a third just before referee McFrederick blew for the half time interval.
The half time interval gave the Mallards a chance to regroup and manager Sam Gamble made a few changes to his tactics and line-up.
Despite the changes the Mallards soon found themselves conceding a fourth. Another long throw caused havoc in the Mallards box and Limavady pounced to increase their lead.
Immediately from the kick off the Mallards responded superbly. Excellent work down the left from Niall Owens was rewarded, as Pearse McNabb rifled home to make it 4-2.
The young Mallards were now playing some superb football. McGrath, Browne and Owens were causing the Limavady defence all sorts of problems. However, Limavady were always dangerous on the break. Seanie Mahon was particularly impressive as he defended resolutely alongside Toal, Smyth and the tenacious Jones.
With only ten minutes left, Alex Holder was rewarded for his hard work as he grabbed a third for the home side. Holder pounced on the ball inside the box and slotted home.
Following a sustained period of pressure, the Mallards grabbed a deserved equaliser with a simply outstanding goal from Niall Owens. The ball was worked out to Owens on the left and he volleyed a wonderful effort into the bottom corner to level the scores. 4-4.
However, just when both sides were ready to accept a point each, the Mallards sealed victory with another outstanding goal. Irvine, who had been superb throughout, picked up a loose ball in the midfield and drove towards goal. Irvine then stunned the home crowd as he rocketed in a superb effort from 25 yards out which the keeper could only palm into the top corner of the goal. Queue celebrations all around the pitch as players, coaches and supporters celebrated a comeback of titanic proportions.
The victory left the Mallards top of the table as they head into a two week break. The determination and grit shown by this young side bodes well for the rest of the season. There were strong showings by Jake Irvine, Niall Owens and Pearse McNabb
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