A spirited second half display was sadly too little, too late for Ards after rampant Cliftonville had hit three goals without reply before half-time to advance in the IRN-BRU League Cup.

After an initial lull, Cliftonville hit Ards three times in twelve minutes to take advantage of the disorganised and leaky visitors' defence. For a time the Reds threatened a rout, but much needed half-time changes and a new attitude from Ards ensured a more competitive second forty-five minutes.

It was poor crowd that ventured out for the first meeting in six seasons between top flight Cliftonville and Championship Ards. Though Ards held their own for the opening fifteen minutes, they never threatened and as the strong Cliftonville line-up grew in confidence, a goal seemed only so long away.

The Reds' first tested Ards in the 14th minute when Ryan Catney struck a shot from 22 yards that presented a comfortable enough save for Graeme McKibbin. Four minutes later they threatened again as Joe Gormley got the better of Aaron McKee and fired in a shot that McKibbin parried out to Stephen Garrett, but he could do no better with his close range follow up.

The game's opening goal arrived on 21 minutes with David Cully conceding a free kick  near the half-way line. A long punt forward from Martin Donnelly found his namesake Rory off the right hand post and he directed a long range header over keeper Graeme McKibbin and into the far corner.

Ards had made several changes in their line-up, some forced, some not and it's true they were struggling, particularly in midfield. Time and again though the defence stood off as Cliftonville, and the Donnellys, advanced. Rory smashed a shot off the face of the crossbar on 24 minutes and seconds later Martin sent a delicate chip onto the top of the bar after Corey had given away possession.

Cliftonville doubled their lead on 29 minutes when Garrett latched on to a through pass, shrugging off the attentions of Gary Spence before poking a shot low past McKibbin. By the 33rd minute it was 3-0 as Martin Donnelly sent a defence splitting ball through for Gormley and the young striker, who had been prolific last season for Solitude tenants Crumlin Star, had the easiest of finishes.

Down and out, Ards had to make changes. Mark Picking and Jimmy McIlhagga were re-instated for the start of the second period and Ards enjoyed a much greater share of the game. By the 52nd minute they had pulled a goal back after Ross Arthurs had worked hard to win the ball on the right side of the box and supply a cross for McKee. The Ards midfielder benefited from a lucky deflection to maintain possession around the 18 yard line and with space opened up he finished low to the bottom corner.