Ballinamallard's home struggles continue with 1-0 defeat

Ballinamallard United's home struggles deepened with a 1-0 defeat to Rathfriland Rangers, their second consecutive loss by the same scoreline at Ferney Park. Stephen McCavitt's second-half penalty decided the match, which was preceded by an emotional minute's silence for long-serving club groundsman Mervyn Nixon.

Annagh United, who sit first in the Championship with 34 points from 15 games, will host the seventh-placed Mallards this Friday. The leaders have lost just once in the league since the opening day and are four points clear at the summit. Their record of ten wins, four draws and one loss from fifteen games is the best in the division, and they have scored 37 goals while conceding only 16. They are currently on a three-game winning run, with their recent form reading four wins and one loss from their last five matches.

Stafford's Reaction

Manager Mark Stafford expressed deep disappointment after the game. "Very, very disappointed," Stafford said. "Obviously, it’s another 1-0 defeat at home.

Stafford also paid tribute to Mervyn Nixon, whose funeral service was held earlier in the week. "We lost one of our own during the week in Mervyn Nixon, and I can’t thank him enough," he added, sending condolences from the staff and players. The manager admitted his side struggled to keep possession and create enough in the final third.

Injury Concerns Ahead of Friday

Ballinamallard face significant selection issues for the trip to Annagh United. Alex Holder is awaiting scan results on an ankle injury, while Caolan Donnelly is expected to miss a couple of weeks. Niall Owens and Joshua McIlwaine remain on the injury list, with Marc Walsh requiring a late fitness test. Tiarnan Campbell is hopeful of a return.

Annagh United's form presents a formidable challenge. They have won three consecutive matches, including a 1-0 victory over Strabane Athletic last Friday, and have scored 37 goals this campaign. Their last meeting with Ballinamallard ended in a 3-1 away win on 29 August. The next fixture is scheduled for Friday 13 November at Annagh United's home ground.

Stafford acknowledged the team's poor home record, with just one victory in nine attempts this season. He said the players deserved something from the Rangers game but conceded a soft penalty proved costly. The focus now shifts to trying to get a positive result for Mervyn Nixon's memory against the league leaders.

The original report is at fermanaghherald.com