Ballinamallard U20 4-7 Glenavon Reserves (Saturday)

The game got off to a good free-flowing start by both teams with both keepers pulling of good saves. Glenavon, getting on top, opened the scoring on 17 minutes. After good work by Robinson and Gray they forced an own goal by a Mallards defender.

The second goal came shortly after, with a nice cross by Renato which was headed by Gray towards the top corner and the inrushing Neill made sure with a powerful header. Gray got himself on the score-line with the third goal midway through the half following a fine solo run.

Glenavon defended solidly throughout the first half with the midfield four also dictating the game. On the stroke of half time Jordan Jenkins got the goal of the game. After a flick on by Gray, JJ ran onto it to half volley into top corner from 20yds, giving the Mallards keeper no chance.

The half finished with the young Lurgan Blues leading 4-0 but just minutes into 2nd half the Mallards quickly got two goals back with two excellent finishes.

Glenavon’s fifth goal of the game followed more good work by Gray to set up Hill with another strong header to make it 5-2. Good football by the Mallards was finished off in fine style by the centre forward, to reduce the deficit to 5-3 but Glenavon then started to get well on top and goal number duly six arrived in the 75th minute. A neat ball from Young released O’Mahony who then went on a dazzling run past a few Mallards players before slipping it to Gray to cross to the far post for the incoming Robinson to head into the roof of the net.

The final Glenavon goal came in the 89th minute, JJ putting in a ‘Beckham’ like cross for Gray to volley high into the roof of the net.

Deep into injury time the Mallards forward tried a lob from 35 yards out and, as Taylor was about to clutch the ball out of the air, his ankle give way and the ball went into the net. Hopefully the big keeper’s injury is not as serious as it looked and he’ll be back in a few weeks.

The match was great entertainment for the large crowd and there were some excellent goals by both teams.

Glenavon Reserves: Taylor, O’Mahony, Neill, Young (c), McKeown (Harland 60), Kelly (McIvor 60), Renato, Hill, Robinson, Jenkins, Gray.

Thanks to Andy Mathieson for the match report.