Ballinamallard’s players need to put the disappointment of Saturday’s defeat to Linfield behind them
It’s probably the biggest game of the season against Ards tonight (Friday).
That is if the game goes ahead.
Ballinamallard sitting second from bottom of the Premier League eight points ahead of Ards.
“Everyone knows this will be the game of games. It’s a game that we have to win. We must apply ourselves the way we had before the Linfield game and for the 30 minutes we had against Glenavon on Monday night,” said manager Whitey Anderson. “We must show that desire and commitment.”
Anderson is expecting a good performance from his boys on Friday, but knows that Ards will be difficult especially after their win over Glentoran last week.
“My players are capable of playing and getting a good result, but Ards have some decent players, but it will be totally down to ourselves on Friday night,” said the Ferney manager.
In recent weeks Ballinamallard have shown glimpses of their true potential.
They have just lost six of the last eight games by a single goal and had an exceptional display against Crusaders.
“On Monday night we took the field with much heart and desire. We can play, there is no doubting that and we need to work hard for each other. I’ll be looking for a disciplined performance and if we can do that then I think the result will look after itself.”
Fantastic game to look forward to
Looking ahead to Monday night’s Setanta Cup fixture manager Whitey Anderson views it as a ‘fantastic game’ against the League of Ireland champions.
“It shows just how far we have come in recent years. We have every respect for St Patricks and their champions tag and the calibre of players they have.
“It’s a great fixture for us as a club. Indeed it is a great fixture for Fermanagh to host and should attract anyone interested in the game locally. They are full time professionals with some international experience. There is no doubt we will have to work hard in this one. They will be top qualty, even though they are in pre season. But for us it takes the pressure of the league away.
“It’s a great reward for the players who had a fantastic season last season. It’s a great opportunity for us. These are the type of games our players should be relishing, but the main focus at the moment for this week is the visit of Ards on Friday night,” stressed Anderson.
FIXTURES
Friday February 21 Ards (Home, League, 8pm)
Monday February 24 St Patricks Athletic (Home, Setanta Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg, 8pm)
Saturday March 3 Cliftonville (Away, League, 3pm)
Monday March 10 St Patricks Athletic (Away, Setanta Cup Quarter Final 2nd Leg, TBC)