Loughgall 2 - 0 Ards

Before the start of the game there was a minutes silence in respect of the recent death of Armagh City stalwart John Steenson.
Loughgall earned their third victory in the league campaign as they defeated title rivals Ards at Lakeview Park.
The Villagers made one change from last weeks win over Tobermore United as Neil Alderdice came in for his home debut replacing Glenn Waddell who was suspended.
The first chance of the game fell to the visitors danger man Darren Stirling after 4 minutes.  He received the ball wide on the right before coming inside and shooting just over the crossbar.
 On 9 minutes Dean Smith released Brian Adair whose chipped cross was headed goalwards by Lukasz Adamczyk only for ex-Glenavon ‘keeper Andy McDonald to save low to his right.  4 minutes later Loughgall could have opened the scoring after a long ball downfield by ‘keeper Robinson was controlled and layed off by Adamczyk.  Striker partner Smith tried to chip Andy McDonald however the ‘keeper did well to save his effort.
Ards were continuing to threaten when on 24 minutes David Wright quickly turned and struck a left footed shot from the edge of the box only for ‘keeper Robinson to push the ball past his post.
On the half hour mark the deadlock was broken when Bryan Pentland’s long free kick floated over everyone’s head before defender Alan Murphy simply guided the ball inside the post from 12 yards.
Ards almost equalised just before the break when a quick free kick from Aaron McKee allowed Wright to shot from close range however ‘keeper Robinson was equal to the effort.
After the interval striker Stirling had a good chance to score but he saw his volley easily saved by Robinson.  Ards continued to put pressure on the home side yet were restricted to set pieces as the Loughgall defence did well to thwart any chances.  Ards did well to create an opportunity for Stirling to shoot from the edge of the box on 74 minutes however it didn’t trouble ‘keeper Robinson.  With 15 minutes remaining Loughgall scored their second goal of the game.  Adamczyk released Pentland into the penalty area and it was his cross that was converted by Noel Robinson at the back post. 
Craig McMillan managed to find space inside the Loughgall penalty area on 81 minutes but was unfortunate to see his effort crash of the post.
The Villagers had two good chances to wrap up the game in the remaining minutes however Ryan Moffatt and Ray Fitzpatrick both saw their efforts well saved by away ‘keeper McDonald.

 

Loughgall: M Robinson, Alderdice, Pentland, Peden, Murphy, Herron, Moffatt, Adair (A Smith 69mins), Adamczyk, N Robinson (Lavery 85mins), D Smith (Fitzpatrick 26mins).  Subs: Wilkinson, Mackle

Ards: McDonald, Nixon, Cleary, Spence, Cully, Roy, McMillan, Newbury, Stirling, McKee, Wright.  Subs: Wilson, Billing, Clifford, McBride.

Referee: Ian Hall (Belfast)