Glentoran 3
Ballinamallard United 0
Despite a 3-0 defeat at the Oval, Ballinamallard have all but secured a top six finish in their debut season in the Danske Bank Premier League.
Portadown can still catch the Mallards, after they only picked up a point in the game, but it would take a 12 goal swing to move the mid Ulster side into sixth position.
Despite a brave effort by the Mallards, they found it tough going in monsoon like conditions at the Oval.
Martin Murray had the opening chance of the game, but teenage full back Gary Phair managed to get across and put in a vital block.
The first chance for the Mallards fell on 19 minutes with Andy Crawford blasting over the bar from a Davy Kee free kick.
The Glens dominated the opening exchanges and almost took the lead on 27 minutes when David Howland’s stunning long range strike bounced off the wood work.
The home side pulled ahead five minutes later however. Alvin Rouse poor kick out fell to the feet of Castlederg man Richard Clarke, and he chipped the ball into an open net.
Kee almost drew his side level just minutes later. His pinpoint free kick was superbly saved by Elliott Morris however.
Andy Crawford spurned the last chance of the half when he shot over the bar after midfielder Duwayne McManus played an incisive pass through the home defence.
The Mallards came out for the second half with all guns blazing and were very unlucky not to get themselves back into the game.
First, Jason McCartney hit the post and then they had a penalty appeal turned down after James McKenna’s header appeared to strike the arm of Jimmy Callacher.
Ballinamallard’s luck wasn’t in however, and six minutes after half time, Martin Murray smashed Andy Waterworths cross past a helpless Rouse.
Gary Phair came to his sides rescue again with another vital block, this time to deny Richard Clarke while Waterworth made it 3-0 from a narrow angle to give Glentoran all three points.
Ballinamallard will now take on Linfield to Ferney Park this Saturday, in the final game before the league splits.