By Aaron Hassard QUEEN’S 3-0 success was harsh on Mark Stafford’s Ballinamallard United, with the Mallards boss left to reflect on a “strange” afternoon that culminated in the cessation of Ballinamallard’s unbeaten home run. “The result obviously looks bad, but it’s a strange one as we actually played quite well in spells,” explained Stafford. “We […]
Boss Stafford is pleased to end season on a high
It was a positive end to a challenging season for Ballinamallard United boss Mark Stafford, as his side followed up their crucial point at Ballyclare with a season-ending win against Armagh City. And the Mallards’ manager was happy to end the season on a high. “Saturday’s game was hard fought. Armagh are a good team, and […]
‘Still a lot of work to do’ warns Stafford
It’s all starting to go Ballinamallard’s way under the stewardship of Mark Stafford after his built on last Tuesday evening’s win over Newington with a weekend victory against Ballyclare Comrades. The six points have helped the Mallards pull away from the precarious relegation places, now sitting 11 points clear of second-from-bottom Newry City. Stafford felt […]
Stafford hoping to add reinforcements
Ballinamallard manager Mark Stafford is hoping to bolster his squad with some new signings before the close of the January transfer window. The Mallards have been badly affected by a catalogue of injuries this season and on Saturday both Jamie Dunne and Aaron Arkinson were the latest players to pick up knocks. To read more […]
Mallards march on following Irish Cup win
Ballinamallard started 2025 in style, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ballymacash Rangers to reach the sixth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup, with goals from Aaron Harkin and Alex Holder. After a 2024 marked by inconsistency, manager Mark Stafford reflected on his team’s recent improvements, admitting, “I don’t think we would have seen […]
‘Keep believing’ urges Stafford ahead of Limavady visit
Ballinamallard paid the price for a slow second half start at Holm Park on Saturday, as three goals in the space of 18 minutes proved to be the difference between the two sides. Mallards boss Mark Stafford was in philosophical mood when reflecting upon a decisive spell in the Cathedral City. “90 seconds into the […]
Stafford era to begin at Ferney Park
Ballinamallard United manager Mark Stafford has expressed satisfaction with his team’s pre-season efforts as they prepare to kick off the new season at home against Ballyclare Comrades this Saturday. The 36-year-old, who celebrates his 37th birthday on 20 August, just after the opening two fixtures, feels the team is in good shape despite a challenging […]
Captain Stafford wants to be a leader for all
‘Momentum is key’ for having a successful run in the Player-Fit Championship, says Ballinamallard United club captain Mark Stafford. A win over H&W Welders on Saturday would be the perfect start for the Mallards, but the 35-year-old knows that the trip to the Blanchflower Stadium won’t be an easy one. “It (H&W Welders) is as […]
McConkey ready for ‘biggest challenge so far’
Harry McConkey is readying his players for their ‘biggest challenge of the season so far’ when they take on second placed Annagh United on Saturday. Ballinamallard sit six points adrift of Annagh and McConkey knows that his players need to be on the top of their game if they are to take all three points […]
Stafford signs for Ballinamallard
BALLINAMALLARD fans favourite Mark Stafford is coming back to where it all began. The former Mallards centre half and captain came up through the youth ranks at Ferney Park and was instrumental in the team’s Championship win and promotion to the Premiership in 2012. 34 year-old Stafford moved from Ballinamallard to Linfield in 2015 and […]