Ballinamallard’s Liam Martin holds the ball up against Ballymena’s Michael Ruddy and Alan Jenkins
There is no doubting Friday night’s Danske Premier League game against bottom side Warrenpoint Town is a big one, maybe the biggest of the season so far for Ballinamallard.
At the half way point the Ferney Park side are seven points ahead, but any slip on would draw the Mallards back into the relegation zone, and manager Whitey Anderson is fully aware of the implications.
Earlier in the season Warrenpoint beat the Fermanagh side 2-1 on their home turf, but that proved a turning point for the Ballinamallard boys as they went on a good run until the game against Ballymena on Saturday.
“On Friday night we have another turning point. Last Saturday ended a relatively good run and there is no better team to bounce back,” said Anderson.
“We are at the half way point of the season and if we can put a march on them now it will be very important for us,” he added.
“But we must start the game quickly. We certainly can’t afford to sit back, that’s for sure. Warrenpoint have been unfortunate for a number of weeks with the results they have been getting, but this is about us.
“The players were very disappointed after Saturday and some even asked for extra training this week. The hunger is there and they know how important this is. They don’t have to be told.”
The Ferney Park side will be without midfielder Davy Kee and the in-form striker Johnny Lafferty for Friday’s important game but Anderson is adamant there are enough quality players in the squad to jump straight into their boots.
“We’re hoping for great support on Friday evening and the home crowd make a big difference. We need them out for that game.
“I just hope they don’t save themselves for the League Cup semi final because this is a really important one. Points in the league are more important,” said Anderson.