Ballinamallard United 3 Coleraine 2
Jay Ely netted a hat-trick as Ballinamallard recorded another win over Coleraine in the U14 Subway National League at the weekend.
United led 3-1 before a Coleraine goal with 10 minutes to go set a nervy ending but the Mallards held on to secure another win.
The sides went head-to-head at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown with Coleraine making an ideal start to the game as Ducks captain Nicky Milligan lost possession in midfield and a ball out wide was played into the box and headed in to make it 1-0 with only a few moments played.
Ballinamallard responded well and got back on terms when Ely finished neatly from just inside the box.
A second came shortly after, again Ely finding the net with a well-placed strike and the hat-trick then followed as the attacker burned his man for pace before cutting inside and making it 3-1 to put his side in control.
Coleraine pushed for a path back into the contest but good defensive performances from Tim Armstrong, Edward Murphy and James Gallagher-Arruda limited their chances heading into the final 15.
However, they would pull one back as they continued to push and a brilliant, curled effort into the top corner set up a tight ending, but the Mallards held on for victory and another crucial win.
They face Bangor up next as they hope to continue their winning form.
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