Ferguson praises response of players in Ballinamallard win

“It was a good all-round performance,” said Ferguson, after the Sky Blues claimed their first ever league win at Ferney Park.

“We had to make a few changes, one of them was forced and the other three were just we needed to get a reaction from some of the players who hadn’t been playing and some of the players who had been playing, but hadn’t been playing as well as expected.

“I think it paid off, some players came in and did themselves no harm.

“Mark Surgenor did well for periods of the game and scored a great goal. Alan Teggart worked really hard, Neal Gawley worked hard, put some great crosses into the box and scored a good free kick.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call for two or three of the players who play regularly every week to find themselves on the bench and the other did well.

“It is always great going to Ballinamallard because the pitch is so good and with it being a windy day I stressed to the players to get the ball down on the ground and enjoy it, don’t be kicking it up in the air.

“Gary Thompson has done really well for us all season, he has been one of our most consistent players and once he gets the ball at his feet he drives forward, he creates problems.

“It starts at the back though and I thought Johnny Taylor and Jim Ervin were super,” added Ferguson.