The seventh and final game of pre-season ended very much on a downer at Drome Park on Saturday, with neither side competing in the second half.

Discounting David Cully's above average strike on 43 minutes, this meeting of former neighbours will drift very quickly into distant memory as both sides now look to the start of competitive action in the coming weeks.

Ards, in their change white strip, had the first opening of the match on nine minutes, when McMillen latched onto a forward pass from Justin McBride. A burst of pace from the 20 year-old took him past two defenders, only for the third to get a good enough touch on the ball that would deflect Craig's shot into the goalkeeper's arms.

On 18 minutes a quick break by the Rangers number 6 took him into the final third of the field, where he showed close control and forced a smart save out of Andy McDonald. An Aaron McKee free kick followed at the other end ten minutes later, and though it was charged down, that presented an opportunity for Johnny Shaw, who drove a low follow-up shot wide of the mark.

David Cully similarly fired past the upright soon after and then on 35 minutes Ards had their clearest chance of the half. McMillen's accurate cross from the left found McBride unmarked in the centre and his header, though delivered well, was too comfortable for the goalkeeper.

Into the final two minutes of the half then and a short McMillen pass along the right flank sent Cully past the left-back to the edge of the area. An opportunist strike followed, that had the better of the rotund keeper and as the ball hit the top corner of the net, Ards were ahead.

If the sparse crowd were hoping for the late goal to provide a spark in the second half, then the seemingly obligatory rash of substitutions put paid to that hope. What began as a disjointed second period, where virtually new formations attempted to gel for the second time in forty-five minutes, evolved into a lifeless pastime of running down the clock.

Flashes of interest came from Ricky Billing, who struck the bar with an outside of the foot delivery on 64 and a opportunity two minutes later that should really have brought a second goal. A square pass from sub Hyland to sub Sharratt saw the young striker fire straight at the goalkeeper with his first touch of the ball, while sub Brotherston fared no better with the follow-up.

If Ards offered little, their opponents fared worse, with a hopeful chip from Jackie Coulter twelve minutes from time all that phased Andy McDonald in the second half.

Even allowing for injuries and availability, this wasn't quite the starting eleven that Tommy Kincaid will hope to field in next Saturday's opener against Queens. Ards were missing both their left-backs Johnny Cleary and Kris Pike, forcing Darren Nixon into that role, though he performed admirably. Stephen Johnston staked his claim for a starting spot, looking as comfortable on the ball as any of his fellow defenders. David Cully will surely start too, while it was pleasing to finally see some of Ryan Newberry, his pre-season delayed by injury.

Seven games, ten goals; four wins, a defeat and two draws. Thank heavens it's all over. Newforge next Saturday at half two.

ardsfc.co.uk