Ards return to the scene of their dramatic Intermediate Cup semi-final victory this Saturday and will be hoping for more of the same fortune as they take on Ballyclare.

The Comrades will be no pushover however as they currently lead the chasing pack at the top of the First Division. Another point gained in midweek against Banbridge has Jamsie Kirk's men trailing Loughgall by eight points with a game in hand - far from unassailable given Loughgall's previous loss of form earlier in the season.

James Wilson - a worry

Ards go into the game looking to build on the recent good run that has seen four points taken from the last two games - when points used to be very much at a premium - on top of reaching the Intermediate final. A settled side may hold some explanation; Tommy Kincaid has fielded the same starting eleven in all of the last three games and he'll be hoping to be able to do that again at Dixon Park on Saturday.

The only doubt is cast over central midfielder James Wilson, who didn't train on Thursday evening having been unwell during the week. He's not yet ruled out, but should that be the case then Kincaid may look to move Gary Clifford back into the middle or may indeed call on his 26 year-old new signing, Stuart Long, who has joined from Knockbreda.

Previous meetings with Ballyclare this season have both ended with wins for the Comrades. It was 2-1 in the league in December, while most Ards fans, and players for that matter, will not have forgotten the early season 5-2 drubbing in the Steel & Sons Cup.

The Premier Ards supporters club run their usual bus to the game, which leaves the Ards social club at 2pm. The club will be open for fans to gather beforehand and perhaps take in a portion of the early FA Cup semi-final game. Saturday's match kicks off at 3.00pm and takes place on Grand National Day, with perhaps a good bet being for Craig McMillen to score - he's done so in both games against Ballyclare this season.

Saturday's fixtures

Ballyclare Comrades v. Ards (3pm)
Bangor v. Loughgall (3pm)
Carrick Rangers v. Coagh United (3pm)
Dundela v. Lurgan Celtic
HW Welders v. Banbridge Town
Portstewart v. Tobermore United

ardsfc.co.uk