A motley band of Ards' loyal supporters took to the field on Saturday morning to challenge the might of Tommy Kincaid's first team in a resurrection of the fans-v-players challenge match.

Brian Adams on the ball

The event was eagerly anticipated by the supporters and well attended by the players, one or two of whom seemed to relish the chance to try out in a new role. The team management were involved too with both Tommy Kincaid and Andy Harwood on the field, while team attendant Goldie kept ran an official eye over a few rough tackles.

The first half ended with the players one-nil in front thanks to a Johnny Roy goal, but oh how it could have been more had Andy Harwood even troubled reserve keeper Jason Mooney from the penalty spot, as he kept goal for the supporters' side.

A raft of changes saw the supporters inject fresh and sometimes younger legs at the break and they began to find their feet and trouble the pros. A couple of goals from Andrew Hamilton that he wont forget gave the fans reason for cheer, although a couple of own goals from Johnny Shaw after he donned the keeper's shirt ensured the score stayed tipped towards the players.

Young Jordan Kelly also found the net for the supporters, but further goals from Ricky Billing and Tony Tumelty secured a 5-3 win for the deserving players, who are to be thoroughly commended for giving up their time to take part.

Allan McLachlan leads the celebrations

Craig McMillen takes on Alan Potts

Brave souls too were the trio of Ards goalkeepers Ian Mannus, Jason Mooney and Lee Rutherford who stood firm afterwards to face the Penalty Kick Challenge. One by one some seventeen hopefuls shot for glory, although all too often found themselves shooting high over the bar. Congratulations then to club chairman Brian Adams who tucked away four textbook penalties to edge out Anne McAdam from top of the podium.

An excellent event no doubt for competitors and the interested crowd and one sure to be repeated.

Alan Potts strokes his penalty past Lee Rutherford...

...but Andrew McCullough watches his get saved

The Supporters Keith Bailie, Andrew McCullough, Keith Gilmore, Alan Potts, Adrian Monaghan, John H, Brian Adams, James Wright, Conor Woods, Matt Skimmin, Allan McLachlan, Andrew Hamilton, Andrew McIlwrath, Jordan Kelly, James Ingram, Stevie Lennon, Scott C, Ryan M

The Players Ian Mannus, Johnny Shaw, Justin McBride, Aaron McKee, Tommy Kincaid, Andy Harwood, Lee Rutherford, Jason Mooney, Ryan Newberry, Johnny Roy, Allan Neill, Darren McCullough, Ricky Billing, Mark Drysdale, Craig McMillen, David Brotherston, Tony Tumelty

PHOTOS: Keith Gilmore, Andrew McCullough

ardsfc.co.uk