Defender Spence clear to play

Ards head up to Ballymoney for the second time in a fortnight with defender Gary Spence recovered sufficiently from his back injury to play a role.

The reliable centre-back failed to complete last Saturday's game against Glebe Rangers, having to be substituted in the second half after suffering an injury to his back which resulted in breathing difficulties. It seems some rest was all that was needed for the 24 year-old and he took full part in both night's training this week to confirm his eligibility for Saturday.

Ards can also call on winger Mark Picking this week, as he too has completed a full compliment of training after his spell out of the country saw him miss Ards' last two games. James Wright is also back with the squad after missing the win over Glebe, although he didn't manage to train this week, making him unlikely for a starting spot.

Ards boss Justin McBride will be delighted to have plenty of options up front for the game, having suffered from a lack of fit strikers at times during this campaign. Last Saturday's marksmen Darren Fitzgerald and Paul McKnight displayed very assuredly that they knew where the net was with three cracking strikes between them and new-boy Gareth Corey will also be hoping for a starting spot, having assisted with two of those goals.

Ballymoney currently prop up the Championship 1 table, having failed to register a point from their last three league outings. The only league win for the Riada side this season was a surprising 1-0 victory away to Ballinamallard at the start of October.

Ards wont need warned however not to take their opponents lightly. The sides last met on the opening day of the season when goals from Stephen Doyle, Darren Fitzgerald and James Wright saw Ards into a comfortable 3-0 lead. The tide soon turned however as then-managerless Ards collapsed after the break to barely cling on for a share of a 3-3 draw.

With a larger squad to choose from this time around, Ards will be confident of delivering back-to-back wins at the Riada, although the side should also be mindful of the frustrating scoreless draw they were held to the last time the teams met in Ballymoney.

This Saturday there will be no supporters' bus in operation due to the losses sustained recently by the supporters' club. Fans are therefore asked to make their own way to the game. The match kicks off at 3pm.

- SATURDAY'S FIXTURES (3.00pm unless stated)

Ballyclare Comrades v Loughgall
Ballymoney United v Ards
Banbridge Town v Institute (2.00pm)
Bangor v Glebe Rangers
Carrick Rangers v Dergview
HW Welders v Ballinamallard United (2.00pm)
Limavady United v Larne

19th November 2010

ardsfc.co.uk