Ballinamallard 1-2 Linfield

Despite defeat on the opening day in the 2016/17 Danske Bank Premier League, Ballinamallard can be proud of their efforts and can take plenty of positives.

David Healy's side started the game well and they opened the scoring after 8 minutes when Stephen Lowry headed in Ross Gaynor's cross. The home side drew level however on the half hour mark when Ryan McConnell struck a sweet volley from outside the box, beating Roy Carroll, who was returning to the club with whom he made his Irish League debut with.

Just before the half time break however, Kirk Miller volleyed in a goal of the season contender from all of 40 yards, after James McGrath's poor clearance.

Depsite dominating reasonable chunks of the second half, the Mallards couldn't find an equaliser, and now face Portadown this incoming Wednesday evening at Shamrock Park.