Portadown 2-1 Ballinamallard

Matchday 2 in the 2016/17 Danske Bank Premier League ended in the same way as the first, with a narrow 2-1 defeat.

The scoreline doesn't tell the whole story however, as the Mallards should have walked away with at least a point.

The Fermanagh side started the game well with Johnny Lafferty forging the first chance which David Miskelly saved. It was the home side that took the lead however when Garry Breen rose highest to head in Niall Henderson's cross, and it stayed 1-0 until half time.

The Mallards equalised in the second half with a fine goal. Lafferty fed McCartney down the left and his pinpoint cross was expertly headed into the net by Shane McGinty for his first goal.

Lafferty had an excellent opportunity to take the lead but couldn't connect with the ball from only yards out, whilst James McGrath made a couple of vital saves at the other end.

The Ports took the lead then midway through the second half. Striker Mark McAllister muscled his way between the centre halves and slotted through the legs of McGrath.

Gavin Dykes switched to a back 3 and pressed forward to find an equaliser and they should have got it in the final minutes. Adam Lecky won the ball back and Morris played a neat ball in behind for McCartney, but one on one with the keeper, the winger couldn't find the target and spurned a glorious opportunity.

Elsewhere, the Seconds lost by the same scoreline at home to Portadown Reserves.