Chris Curran slides in to win the ball against Donegal Celtic
Donegal Celtic 1
Ballinamallard United 0
Fourth place Ballinamallard United surprisingly went down to Donegal Celtic on Saturday.
A solitary goal from Ciaran Burns on 73 minutes was enough to give Celtic all three points as they strive to avoid relegation.
For Ballinamallard though they dropped to fifth place in the Premiership as they strive to make a top six spot.
It was Burns’ first ever goal for the Wee Hoops and it was a priceless one for manager Pat McAllister in their relegation battle.
An early flurry of excitement by both sides in the opening minutes was followed by a dull first half where both sides struggled.Ballinamallard did try to play football on a very difficult surface, but the home side seemed content to use spoiling tactics.
Celtic’s Sean Cleary drilled a first attempt on goal in the first minute and one minute later a defensive blunder resulted in Hoops keeper John Connolly pulling off a superb save to deny Chris Curran, while Jason McCartney squandered the rebound with an open goal at his mercy.
The introduction of former Linfield player Paul McAreavey and striker Mark Miskimmin added to Celtic’s impetus and although the game remained in the balance the Suffolk Park side’s threat up front increased as the game wore on.
Before the only goal arrived Ballinamallard midfielder Davy Kee came close with a 46th minute free kick and again on the hour when he met a Chris Curran free kick only to head just wide of the Celtic goal.
McCartney did go on to test keeper Connolly with a long range effort in the 68th minute, but the game looked destined for a share of the points.
That was until Burns stole in behind a static Mallard defence to tap home Kevin Keegan’s corner.
Celtic’s Paul Bradley was sent off three minutes into injury time for a second bookable offence.
League leaders Cliftonville are the visitors to Ferney Park this incoming Saturday.
TEAM
Ballinamallard: Rouse, Keohane, Carters, Stafford, Kee, Curran, Feeney, McCartney, O’Grady, Campbell, Hill
Subs Crawford, McManus, McGrath, Cashel, Haveron