Ballinamallard manager, Whitey Anderson.
Ballinamallard United start their fight for Premier League survival on Saturday when they host Ballymena United.
For manager Whitey Anderson a win and three points is vital from the home fixture if they are to pull away from the drop zone.
“Home games are very important for us. We’ve had a good run at Ferney Park and thankfully three of our final five games are at home with two away.
“It’s important that we pick up points on Saturday. These home fixtures are vitally important,” said Anderson.
“These three home games will be like cup finals and we have to ensure that we get the points in them. But the players know it is in their own hands. They know they have been getting good results there because they have been working hard. I’m very content with that and I think everyone is looking forward to Saturday against Ballymena and the five that follow before the end of the season,” said the Ballinamallard manager.
If the Mallards take three points on Saturday it could put them level with Dungannon Swifts who face an away journey to the Oval and Glentoran and a point behind Ballymena.
More importantly it could give them real daylight, eight points, over second from bottom Warrenpoint.
But it’s all ifs and buts according to Anderson who maintains his boys have to look after themselves.
“Things can change very quickly in this league and I know Ballymena are well aware of that too. They will be smarting after their cup exit on Saturday and looking to put things right with a win down here. I know several of their players are playing for new contracts coming up to the end of the season also. So they have a lot to play for,” said Anderson.
“You could talk for ever about it, but really it’s all about us. Training has been good and the boys are really prepared for Saturday.
“They know what is expected and I’m confident that on the day we can get a result. We know it will be a tough game. They beat us in the semi final of the League Cup when it should have been over and done with at half time. We know the way we want to play and we have to go out with that same confidence and I know we will get the result.
“But we must be at our best to get these three points. The players are looking forward to it and a win here would give them a real confidence boost going into the final five games,” said Anderson.
Steve Feeney is unlikely to be fit for Saturday’s game, but will probably return to the squad for the away game in Dungannon and John Currie is in China as part of his university course.
However, Cathal Beacom and Leon Carters are back in the squad along with Johnny Lafferty to give Ballinamallard a strong looking line-up for the visit of the Braidmen.
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