Ards hand a debut to new goalkeeper Jack Duffin for Saturday's visit of Larne to Dixon Park.

19 year-old Duffin signed emergency forms on Thursday evening to allow him to take the place of the injured Graeme McKibbin in time for this weekend's Belfast Telegraph Championship match.

Last Saturday Ards lost for the first time under Niall Currie, as a run of five games undefeated came to an end with a demoralising loss to Kilmore Rec in the Intermediate Cup. Throughout the game Ards struggled to make the most of their possession on a day when the team appeared to have left shooting boots at home.

One upside to the match was the return from injury of left-back Kris Pike, who was introduced as a second half substitute after been out of action since the end of September. Providing he suffered no reaction to the game time, Pike will be hoping to reclaim his spot in the starting line-up, covered recently by Darren Nixon and Ciaran Boyd.

Aaron McKee therefore remains Ards' only injury concern, having not played since suffering a cracked rib in last month's league win over HW Welders. He did however take part in full training this week.

Paul Millar's Larne side will also feature a change in goal with Brian Neeson having been signed as emergency cover for veteran keeper David Henry, who recently picked up an injury. Larne will also be without defender Jamie Marsh who serves a one match suspension and also Sencer Yilmaz, who was sent off in last Saturday's win over Tobermore United.

The Steel & Sons Cup finalists have lost just once in the last five league games, a run that included a fine 3-2 victory against current league leaders Ballinamallard. In last season's meetings between the two sides, Ards did the double over the Inver Park men, including maintaining the one hundred percent record against Larne at Dixon Park.

Ards fans can travel to the game on the Premier Ards bus, which leaves the Ards Sports Club at 1.50pm. Kick-off at Dixon is 3pm.

Nathan McConnell holds his head during the last game against Kilmore Rec Picture: Gareth McCluskey

2nd December 2011

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This weekend's fixtures (3pm unless stated)

Friday
Newry City v Limavady United (8.00pm)

Saturday
Ards v Larne
Loughgall v Ballinamallard United (2.00pm)
Warrenpoint Town v Bangor (2.00pm)