Irish Premiership: Ballinamallard Utd 3-1 Glenavon

Ballinamallard United further boosted their chances of securing a top-six Premiership finish by beating Glenavon.

Stephen Feeney shot home the opening goal after just 45 seconds and Leon Carters fired in at the back post from Jason McCartney's corner on 39 minutes.

Feeney grabbed his second after Andy Coleman had saved a Chris Curran shot on 67 and then Alvin Rouse saved Kyle Neill's penalty three minutes later.

Guy Bates pulled one back for Glenavon with a diving header after 73 minutes.

Feeney was alert to find the net in the first minute after Carters' free-kick had been headed down by Ryan Campbell.

The Mallards ran out deserved winners and remain fourth in the table.

The Ferney Park club had received a boost before the game with the news that Mark Stafford has signed a two-year extension to his contract.

The central defender was understood to be a target for Linfield and other Premiership clubs.

"We are determined to keep our best players, to be a Premiership club, and by Mark signing on for another two years he's shown where he thinks he can develop and that he believes Ballinamallard United have a bright footballing future," said club chairman Desi Quinn.