Any hopes Ballinamallard had of maybe squeezing into the promotion play off were finally ended on Tuesday night in the defeat to Loughgall although Mallards manager Harry McConkey was delighted with the efforts of his players who he felt gave it their all, the Ducks eventually losing out to an 86th minute goal.

“The Loughall manager said to me after the game that it was the best game they were involved in all year.

“Our supporters also gave us a great applause going off the pitch and I think that was justified and, while we couldn’t keep the smiles on the faces from Saturday, I think they did see that was a bunch of boys who were playing their hearts out for the club.

“We were very unlucky to be shaded out in the end and I was gutted to be honest with you as we put so much into the game. We played so well and I think we would have been even disappointed with a draw because of what was needed. It was a cracking game played at a great intensity,” said McConkey.

The game follows on from the 5-2 win over Annagh on Saturday and McConkey says he is pleased with the way his players have kept battling after a difficult run of results.

“That is what has pleased me even from the last Dergview game; the last three games I have seen a real improvement. Even from our stats from our GPS vests we are up on our intensity and that is a great sign, that the boys, despite all, have kept going.”

It was also a good week for on loan striker Patrick Ferry who hit four against Annagh before bagging the goal against Loughgall as well.

“He is a young guy with great potential and it was great to see him among the goals.

“The idea was that he would come for a loan period to almost rehabilitate his confidence and we are now seeing his true qualities,” added McConkey.

Next up for the Mallards is the visit of champions elect Newry on Saturday before they round things off away to HW Welders seven days later.

And McConkey has urged his players to finish the season on a positive note.

“Newry are going to be champions but we will be aiming to finish the season as strongly as we can by trying to take two wins from our last two games.

“I’ve asked the players and my staff to simply focus on the next two games and to buy into ensuring that we give this club and the supporters everything until the end of the season,” he said.