Whitey Anderson wants his players to react to the Ards defeat
Ballinamallard United are looking to rekindle the spirit that they had last year to kick start their second season in the Premier League.
Manager Whitey Anderson claims his boys are keen to get back on track on Friday night when they entertain Ballymena United at Ferney Park.
“We’re expecting a big local crowd and we’re hoping they can get behind us and lift us,” he said.
“I’m looking for a good performance and a good result and we want to bring the confidence back to every body, but the secret is working hard and I know it willl come.”
Anderson knows that Ballymena who are level on points, will be going all out for a victory also.
“They are in the same position of us. It’s a chance for one of us to climb up the table and I feel a good performance will provide that. I’m sure we can get a good result here and push on the way we did last season.”
Anderson knows his side has to start scoring more goals.
“When you look at the goals for you can see we need to be hitting the net more. We’re just not finding that finishing touch, but I know it will come. We are addressing things like that in training and I know it will pay dividends soon,” said the Ballinamallard manager.
Anderson is confident his players will step up to the mark.
“We had that great buzz last season and that came with results and good performances. I know we’re not very far away from it and it will just take something small to trigger it again,” he said.
“The boys are knuckling down to the hard work and have been doing that for some weeks, but we need to play with the same intensity as last year.
“We need to rekindle that spirit.”
Getting players back to full fitness is a big part of the confidence process.
Now with Mark McConkey playing his first full 90 minutes for 10 months and midfielder Davy Kee also putting in a good stint for a full game, things are looking a bit stronger for Anderson’s men.
Stuart Hutchinson, too, who has been missed in midfield for almost 10 months is making good progress. He played for the Reserves in a friendly against Fivemiletown on Tuesday night and could be with the Reserves on Saturday.
Duwayne McManus has put in three excellent performances for the Reserves and will be back in first team contention on Friday.
Richard Lecky, though, is still struggling with an ankle injury he picked up against Coleraine. Hopefully he will get a run out for the Reserves against Ballymena on Saturday.
James McKenna could start training again towards the end of the week and may be back in contention in a few weeks.
When you consider all those factors Ballinamallard have plenty to look forward to.
Friday night though is very important for everyone at Ferney.
“We’re at home and we’ll be going all out to secure the three points. Ballymena will be he same, but I think having home advantage will give us the edge.
“I can’t emphasise enough how committed we must be from the start. It will be down to us and the players to get on the attack.
“We have to keep looking forward and I hope the crowd on Friday night can get behind us and help us move in that direction,” said the Ballinamallard manager.