Currie goal gives Mallards victory

John Currie's goal in the 74th minute gave Ballinamallard a vital opening day victory in the Danske Bank Premier League.

The diminutive midfielder nipped in ahead of outcoming 'Point goalkeeper Johnathan Parr to steer Michael McCrudden's through ball into the net and give Ballinamallard all three points.

The contest was a tightly fought affair throughout with neither side able to dominate. Ryan Campbell went closest for the Mallards on a couple of occasions whilst Shane Dolan seen his effort comfortably saved by Alvin Rouse.

Campbell really should have put the Fermanagh side ahead less than 30 seconds into the second half. The striker did everything right but hit the target.

The game was turned on his head however early in the second half when 'Point midfielder Mark Clarke was sent off on his debut, having aimed a kick in the direction of Currie's head. That gave Ballinamallard the initiative, but they had to be patient against a well organised Warrenpoint.

The home side could have equalised towards the end of the game when Dolan found himself through on goal, but out of nowhere, Emmet Friars executed an incredible tackle to deny the striker.

Manager Whitey Anderson was understandably delighted at the final whistle. "It's great to win away from home on the opening day of the season. It was not a game for the purist, a hard, committed encounter but the players had a desire to win".

At Fisher Park, the Seconds recorded an impressive 9-0 win over Warrenpoint Reserves. Summer signing from Beragh Swifts, Kuba Klobusek, bagged a debut hat trick whilst Kane Connor added a brace and Joshua McIlwaine also added two on his return to the side. James Edgar and Danny Dunbar completed the rout.