IRVINESTOWN Wanderers picked up their best result of the season as they continued their fine run of form with a strong 3-2 victory over Ballinamallard Reserves at the Bawnacre Centre.

After a difficult spell in the league, Wanderers have now put together two wins and a draw in their last three outings, providing a real shot in the arm.

Their recent revival has been built on considerable mental fortitude in this encounter, particularly after twice having to come from behind.

Irvinestown started brightly, getting into dangerous positions early on as Mallards took time to settle into the contest.

Despite their positive start, it was a needless free kick that cost the hosts early on, after Matty Armstrong was hauled down twenty yards from goal.

Irvinestown on top form

What followed, however, was pure brilliance from Ronan Hutchins, who curled a beautiful strike around the wall and into the bottom corner.

Wanderers wasted no time in responding, striking straight from the kick-off.

After a quick exchange of passes, the ball was launched into the box, where Josh Largo Elis rose to get his head to it, before Daire Gallagher reacted quickest to the loose ball, poking home.

The frenetic opening continued as the Mallards restored their lead, with Conor Stewart rising to head home a Hutchins cross following a smart passing move down the left.

The second half saw the hosts turn the screw, creating several good chances while also enjoying the bulk of possession.

With 15 minutes remaining, their persistence finally paid off.

Odhran McGovern picked out Jack Largo Elis with a pass down the wing and his cross was only half-cleared by the defence, leaving Dwayne Carleton perfectly placed to finish from close range.

Sensing the Mallards were on the ropes, Irvinestown pressed again, and when Carleton recycled a clearance to pick out Jack Largo Elis, their pressure was rewarded with a penalty.

Winning goal

Elis was brought down after a clever one-two with Gary Maguire, giving the hosts a golden opportunity to take the lead.

Maguire stepped up and hammered the spot kick home to make it 3-2.

He could have put the game beyond the visitors just minutes later when Josh Largo Elis was brought down for another penalty, but this time the effort was blazed high over the bar.

“I thought we were thoroughly deserving of the win. We started strongly but somehow managed to give two bad goals away which put us on the back foot,” said Irvinestown boss Rory Cassidy.

“But we never let that annoy us, and in the second half we gave Ballinamallard all sorts of problems, and we could have scored one or two more.

“We have another crucial game next week at home to Hospitals and we will go into it with confidence.”