Chris Curran of Ballinamallard United
Cliftonville…………………2
Ballinamallard United …1
Ballinamallard finished the season in 5th position despite going down 2-1 to champions Cliftonville at Solitude on Saturday.
Diarmuid O’Carroll got the opener for the hosts on 24 minutes as he ran on to a long ball before lobbing over Alvin Rouse. The lead was doubled within a minute with Ciaran Caldwell rounding Rouse before stabbing into an empty net after a mix-up in the Mallards defence.
Despite going two goals down the Mallards were looking dangerous and were always in the game, more than holding their own against the champions.
After wasting several good chances they finally got the reward their play deserved on 58 minutes as Ryan Campbell hit the net. Despite further pressure from the Mallards Cliftonville would hold on for the result, which in truth was hard on Whitey Anderson’s men, who more than merited a point.
In their first season in the top flight Ballinamallard can be proud of their efforts and will now look ahead to next season. In preparation for next season Portadown player Stephen Lecky has become the club’s first new signing.