Loughgall 0 - 2 Ards

Loughgall, who travelled to Bangor for the second week in succession, fell to two second half goals from Ards striker Darren Stirling.  The defeat still leaves the Villagers in top position; however, it’s a precarious position with Ballyclare able to overtake them should they win their game in hand.
Niall Currie was able to bring Brian Adair back into the starting panel following his two-month spell on the sidelines, while Scott Walker was granted a place on the bench after six months rehabilitation from a broken leg. 
Glenn Waddell and Andy Smith missed out due to suspension while Alan Murphy was suffering from a knock.
The opening chance of the game fell to Brian Adair after only 2 minutes, however the midfielder’s effort was deflected into home ‘keeper Andy McDonald’s grasp.  One minute later Adair controlled Lukasz Adamczyk’s pass and hit a low shot, which went just wide of the post.
On 14 minutes Darren Nixon connected well with Kris Pike’s corner at the back post, but Loughgall ‘keeper Marc Robinson did superbly to make himself big and save the effort. 
After 29 minutes Noel Robinson’s long throw was flicked on by Willie Herron however ‘keeper McDonald easily collected the header.
Four minutes before the interval, the away side should have scored when Noel Robinson touched on Ryan Moffatt’s curling cross into the penalty area.  The touch deceived ‘keeper McDonald, however Pike was able to clear the ball to safety.
On 45 minutes good interchange between Adair and Dean Smith saw Adair with the ball inside the penalty area where he threaded a pass to Adamczyk.  The striker found the bottom corner of the net with a precise finish however referee Keith Halliday correctly adjudged Adamczyk to be in an offside position.
Ards grabbed the opener 4 minutes after the break when Aaron McKee’s fantastic defence-splitting ball released Darren Stirling who showed good composure to fire low past Robinson.
On 65 minutes the home side doubled their lead when substitute Scott Walker slipped on the halfway line allowing Craig McMillen to run the ball down the left wing before crossing for Stirling to head home from close range.
After 71 minutes Adamczyk couldn’t keep his header from Moffatt’s free kick down under pressure from Nixon.  On 76 minutes Loughgall knew it wouldn’t be their day when Moffatt’s corner was nodded towards goal by Dean Smith only to hit substitute Andy Brown when destined for the back of the net.  Adamczyk connected with the loose ball, however his effort hit the post before David Cully cleared the danger.
With 3 minutes remaining Andy Brown should have scored with a header but he was unable to keep his effort from Moffatt’s corner on target.

Loughgall: M Robinson, Alderdice, Pentland (Walker 64m), Peden, Allen (Brown 75m), Herron, Moffatt, Adair, Adamczyk, N Robinson (Lavery 54m), D Smith.  Subs not used: O’Neill, Uprichard.

Ards: McDonald, Nixon, Pike, Spence, Wilson, McMillen, Stirling, McKee, Parker, Roy, Cully.  Subs not used: Newberry, Clifford, Johnston, Hyland, McBride.

Referee: Keith Halliday (Bangor)