Midfielder missing from Banbridge trip

Ards travel to Banbridge Town on Saturday for the next game in Championship 1, minus midfielder Jimmy McIlhagga, who picked up an injury last weekend.

The veteran midfielder, who has been one of Ards' most consistent players this year, took a knock to the knee in last Saturday's Steel & Sons Cup game against 1st Bangor. McIlhagga wisely withdrew from the game and a proper look at the injury since has revealed some medial damage. That will likely keep the player on the sidelines for two or three weeks - something that Ards definitely could do without.

A string of injuries has blighted Ards' start to the season, with Kris Pike, Sammy Devine and Gareth Corey all picking up knocks during games, while new signing Ryan Berry has yet to kick a ball competitively, having got injured during pre-season.

Defender Gary Spence did make a return to the team last Saturday and his return to fitness will indeed be a timely boost given McIlhagga's absence. The return of Spence will allow James Cully to move into McIlhagga's central-midfield role, a position that many rate as Cully's best.

Also added to the squad for the trip to Banbridge is David Cully. The defender's wedding plans saw him ruled out for the entire August programme of fixtures, but the Portavogie man returned to training this week and that will likely land him a place on the bench. Ards enter the game without striker Stephen Doyle, who moved on to Loughgall last weekend, meaning the side will be light on attacking options. However with the league's top goal-scorer Nathan McConnell in scintillating form, Ards always do look capable of scoring.

While Ards have hit ten league goals so far this season, opponents Banbridge have only managed two. Former manager Colin Malone moved on during the summer recess, taking with him several of the club's best performers. The Town, inevitably haven't had the best of starts to the season, losing two out of their three league encounters - the latest by a 9-0 margin to Limavady United.

The poor form continued last Saturday when Banbridge made an early exit from the IRN-BRU League Cup, losing 1-0 at home to Warrenpoint. The contrasting starts to the new campaign made by both sides means that there is currently eleven places separating the two teams. A win for Ards could take them top of the table, with current leaders Newry City not due to play until Sunday.

The Premier Ards Supporters' Club are running their usual bus to the game, leaving the Ards Sports Club at 1.30pm. The match at Crystal Park is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.

- THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES (3.00pm unless stated)

Saturday
Ballinamallard United v Limavady United
Banbridge Town v Ards
Bangor v Dergview
Institute v Loughgall
Larne v Glebe Rangers
Tobermore United v HW Welders

Sunday
Newry City v Warrenpoint Town (2.00pm)

2nd September 2011

ardsfc.co.uk