Ballinamallard United 0 Dungannon Swifts 1
A stunning strike from Michael McKerr saw Dungannon Swifts retain the Gary Bownes Memorial Cup against Ballinamallard at Ferney Park.
The midfielder struck 14 minutes from the end of a competitive friendly to ensure the trophy returned to Stangmore Park for another season.
The annual pre-season game is held in memory of the late striker, who played for both clubs before his untimely death in 2005.
Dungannon boss Darren Murphy fielded several of his summer signings, including Neal Gawley, Matt Hazley and former Ballinamallard player Grant Hutchinson.
His starting line-up also included two trialists, Francis Brennan and Eddie McEntyre.
And after securing a narrow win against the Premiership newcomers, Murphy was delighted with the result and performance put in by his players.
“I was happy with the performance – the boys worked hard and that is what pre-season is all about,” he said.
“All over the pitch we worked hard and everyone put a good shift in, so I have to be happy.
“Ballinamallard are a good side and they play the game in the right way, so I can take a lot of positives and I’m sure they can as well.”
This was Swifts’ second game of a busy pre-season campaign. They are back in action on Friday night when they face Chile under-20s, who are in Northern Ireland for the Milk Cup.
And Murphy is hoping for more good performances in the coming weeks ahead of their opening league game, back at Ferney Park, on August 11.
“For me pre-season results are irrelevant, it’s more about performances and building fitness levels and I’m more than happy with how we are,” he added.
“I’m not naive enough to read anything into the result, but it’s a good workout for us.”
Dungannon had early claims for a penalty rejected when McKerr went down following a challenge from Ballinamallard goalkeeper Alvin Rouse inside two minutes.
Their opponents’ first chance came in the 32nd minute. Stuart Hutchinson slipped the ball past a defender but fired straight at Niall Morgan.
McEntyre, a forward player on trial with Dungannon, then went close when he picked up possession in midfield and fired inches wide from 25 yards.
Ballinamallard forced chances twice in the early stages of the second period.
First trialist Liam Martin saw an effort blocked following a short free-kick, the ball reached Chris Curran but his shot was stopped by Morgan.
Minutes later Curran was played in by James McGrath, but Morgan came out to intercept the danger.
Otherwise it remained a tense game, short on chances and goals.
Sean Friars wasted a great opportunity when he fired over from a free-kick after McKerr had been taken down on the edge of the box.
But with 14 minutes remaining, McKerr put Dungannon in front.
He took a pass from Cameron Grieve and cut into the box, sidestepping two defenders before beating the ‘keeper at his near post with a thumping strike.
DGN SWIFTTS: Morgan, Hutchison, Brennan, E Friars, Grieve, McKerr, Harpur, McIntyre, Gawley, Hazley, S Friars
Subs: R O’Neill, Gallagher, Curran, Montgomery, Murphy, S Lavery
BALLINAMALLARD: Rouse, Keohone, McConkey, Stafford, Harper, McCartney, Kee, Hutchinson, Curran, Crawford, Martin
Subs: Hill, Sheridan, O’Grady, Feeney, McGrath, Campbell