Kris Pike

Ards will be without Kris Pike for this Saturday's Carnegie First Division game at home to Tobermore United.

The ever-present left back took a knock in last weekend's win over Banbridge and has suffered swelling in his knee since. It is the same knee that Kris suffered a cruciate injury on that kept him out of virtually the whole 2005/06 season, although at this stage it isn't thought that the two injuries are related.

Ards will also prepare for the game without midfielder Chris Deegan, who serves an automatic one-match suspension for his red card in the last game.

Chris Deegan

There are doubts also on the availability of Johnny Shaw, who missed the trip to Banbridge because of flu. He has yet to train this week as he is still incapacitated by the virus and should he not be fit for Thursday night training, then it's unlikely Tommy Kincaid will include him in his plans.

Ards have an otherwise full squad for the visit of Tobermore, with Ronnie Burns likely to return to the squad. Of the first four sides currently in the lead at the top of the First Division, Ards are the only one with a home fixture this weekend, with Institute, Bangor and Carrick Rangers on the road to Dundela, Portstewart and Coagh respectively.

ardsfc.co.uk