Whitey Anderson is under no illusions about the task facing Ballinamallard United
Last Saturday’s home defeat to Glentoran by three goals certainly flattered the visitors from Belfast.
Ballinamallard started the game fairly well and their manager Whitey Anderson said he was happy enough with the match up to half time.
“We looked dangerous at the start of the second half and I had already thought this game had nil-nil written all over it” comments the Ballinamallard manager.
“They then scored with fifteen minutes to go and that changed the game.
It was then two very late goals – 90th and 94th minute – which put the glossly look on Glentoran’s Ferney Park victory.
“I am disappointed we didn’t get something from this game, especially after how we played in the first half.”
Asked about the crowd at the game Whitey said it was fairly quiet around the Ballinamallard terraces. “At the end of the day it’s up to the players to get the supporters going.”
On Saturday Whitey said he was playing with a totally different back four to the players he had in defence last year but said things were looking up with captain Mark Stafford set to return.
After this weekend’s round of matches the premier league splits in two with the top six, and bottom six playing each other.
For Ballinamallard it’s a trip this weekend to Dungannon Swifts.
“We are going to be playing Dungannon twice in the last six games of the season” said Whitey Anderson.
“We have just got to keep working hard – it’s no more complicated than that.
“We fought very hard to get here and want to stay here. We face a different challenge from last season, and where we are at the moment isn’t a very good place to be.”
“The players have discussed this (our situation) at great length and they intend to fight very hard for our survival in the top flight.”
“The players have already shown great resolve during the season, picking themselves up after some poor results and they will continue to show that resolve in the closing matches.”
The Ballinamallard manager said the closing matches of the season feature three home and three away with the last game of the season away to Warrenpoint.