Linfield 1-1 Ballinamallard

Michael McCrudden's second half strike earned ten man Ballinamallard a valuable point at the National stadium, which ended a run off 5 straight defeats.

The Mallards were well worth their point against David Healy's men and they will now hope to take that form into a crunch double header against Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts.

Alvin Rouse returned to the side and he was inspired form all afternoon, apart from a minor error for the opening goal which arrived on the 41st minute. Guy Bates played a neat through ball for Waterworth who chipped Rouse after decided to come and close down the angle.

Prior to that however Ballinamallard hit the post via Michael McCrudden's free kick.

Linfield should have doubled their lead when Aaron Burns somehow screwed wide from close range, but the Belfast Blues were handed a major boost before half time when 'captain' Shane McCabe was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge minutes before half time and well inside the Linfield half.

A re-shuffle at half time seen the unfortunate Jay McCartney getting the hook for James McKenna in order to balance the 10 men out and they produced a superb second half performance.

The Mallards drew level on 56 minutes when the ball fell kindly for McCrudden who struck a fine shot high into the net from the edge of the box for his fifth of the season.

In an even second half, Linfield couldn't find a breakthrough with the back five of Rouse, McMenamin, Friars, McLoughlin and youth product David Elliott all in magnificant form.

The midfield of Martin, McKenna, Lafferty and Currie worked tirelessly to twart Linfield who seen their best chances for Callacher and Stafford go wide.

Substitutes Campbell and Courtney galvanished the Mallards who crossed the finish line and earned a point.