Ryan Campbell scoring for Ballinamallard against Coleraine earlier in the season.
It’s a must win situation for Ballinamallard United when they host Coleraine on Saturday.
Manager Whitey Anderson believes his boys must convert their two excellent draws with Linfield and Portadown into three point wins.
It’s another home game for the Mallards who have had a good record at Ferney Park this season.
Indeed it’s become something of a fortress in recent weeks with the home side picking up vital points along the way.
However, Anderson knows that Coleraine have been improving and manager Oran Kearney has gathered together a good squad which is developing well.
They have moved themselves into a respectable position in the Danske Bank league table and could possibly push for a top six spot if things go well for them.
But Anderson says, “We’re at home and that’s a big plus for us at the moment. We’re showing good form there. We’ve had two good draws against two top sides, Linfield and Portadown recently and we want to take that on and improve on it.
“We need to work hard against Coleraine though,” stressed Anderson.
Even though the players had a ‘rest’ last Saturday, Irish Cup day, they were itching to get back playing after their impressive recent results, said Anderson.
“They would have loved a game to keep the run going and with only 10 games left they want to put in as many good performances as possible,” said the Ballinamallard manager.
“Three points is vital here, especially before we go into the Institute game. The level of our performance has to be good and we will have to do a good job against Coleraine. I’m confident if we can keep our concentration we can get a winning result,” said Anderson.
“We’re going to have to work for it though. Nobody is going to give us anything. It’s a tough league and we know nobody is going to hand us points, we’re going to have to work hard for everything we get.”
Anderson wants the Ferney Park crowd to get behind the side again this Saturday and add to the atmosphere.
Right back Chris Crilly is doubtful after picking up a bad rib injury against Portadown, but Stuart Hutchinson could return and Jason McCartney could be ready to start a game after his lively display off the bench against the Ports.