Ballinamallard United U18 1-1 Ballymena United U18

A goal from the visitors with just three minutes to go saw the points shared last Friday night in this U18 NIFL Academy League fixture.

There were very few clear-cut chances in the first half, the best of the coming for the home team.

A quick passing move helped release Adam Cathcart and he held off a defender before forcing a near post block.

A quick succession of corners followed for the Mallards, one of them forcing a smart save from the Ballymena keeper.

The defence of Rhys Liggett, Adam Armstrong, Harry Oliver and Odhran McGovern dealt brilliantly with anything the Ballymena attack threatened with.

With the game scoreless at the break, it was the Mallards who started the new half on the front foot.

Cathcart sped away before blasting his effort just wide of the near post.

Ethan Byrne and Matthew Armstrong then linked up well to force a corner.

A fantastic delivery from Chrissy Spratt was finished from six yards out by skipper Adam Armstrong.

Ballymena were finding it very difficult to break through with a long-range effort being their only threat. Ross Thompson tipped the ball onto the post with a fantastic save.

Oliver then began an attack from deep, linking up well with the midfield before finding Jonny Vennard, who beat two defenders before just being forced too wide of goal.

With a deserved clean sheet and victory looming, a ball in behind skipped through to the lively Irwin.

He steadied himself before scoring with a low drive with just minutes remaining.

A really good squad performance from the Mallards that deserved all three points.

Their next game is at home to Linfield this coming Friday night at Fisher Park.