Fermanagh Mallards opened their season with two of the toughest assisngments possible.

Last week they played away to Premier League champions Glentoran and came away with a 4-0 defeat and on Monday evening they entertained Newtownabbey Stikers, runners-up last year, going down 5-0.

In the Glentoran game the home side found the visitors defence hard to breakdown. After conceding the Mallard girls settled well and played some good football through midfield.

After conceding another goal before the break the young Mallards girls came out in the second half with great determination, but conceded another two before the end.

Against Newtownabbey Strikers the side, missing Cassidy and Carleton, fought well and held the visitors scoreless for almost a half an hour.

Rhonda McIlwaine was outstanding at the centre of defence with Louise McFrederick having an excellent first half.

In goal Joy Clement pulled off two good saves to keep her side in it.

In the second half Mallards again had to chase the ball from a slick Strikers outfit, but couldn't find any gaps in a steady backline.

Tonight they take on Linfield in what will no doubt be another tough game.

But the young Ferney Park side should take heart from their two workmanlike performances to ensure they pick up points from this home fixture.