McDonald to miss semi-final

Ards first choice keeper Andy McDonald will not be available to play in the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final game later this month after receiving a two game ban.

The decision was made by the IFA's Disciplinary Committee on Thursday following a referee's report on incidents that took place after the final whistle of Ards' win over Malachians on 3rd October. Malachians official Gerard Lyttle has receive a three match touchline ban relating to the same incident.

The suspensions begin from Monday 9th November, ruling McDonald out the league game at home to Loughgall on 14th November and also the Steel Cup semi against Downpatrick ten days later.

The situation is worsened for Ards as just days before the IFA decision, Tommy Kincaid had agreed to a request from reserve goalkeeper Lee Rutherford to be sent out on loan. The experience stopper, who also serves as Ards' goalkeeping coach has joined Donard Hospital on a month's loan and can't be recalled, leaving Ards without a recognised keeper on the books.

That will force Kincaid into the transfer market in the coming days in order to tie up a suitable replacement for the two matches McDonald will miss.

8th November 2009

ardsfc.co.uk