Returning players boost squad

Four players are welcomed back to the Ards squad for Tuesday night's visit of Dergview.

Team captain Darren Nixon returns following a one match suspension and he is joined on the come-back list by Stephen Doyle, Sammy Devine and Darren Devine. The addition of those four will be a major boost for Ards, having faced Bangor on Saturday with a squad of just twelve outfield players.

David Cully played a full ninety minutes for the first time in several months and so he'll be a likely candidate to drop down the bench with the return of Nixon. Stephen Doyle is certain to return to the starting line-up, while both Sammy Devine and Chris Kingsberry will be keen to regain their places in the side.

The single goal to defeat to the north Down rivals two days ago pushed Ards down into eighth spot in the Championship 1 table, some eleven points behind Tuesday night's visitors Dergview.

The county Tyrone side tasted defeat themselves on Saturday too, losing for a fourth time this season to their nearest neighbours Ballinamallard United. Harry McConkey's team still have a realistic chance of prising second spot away from Limavady United, despite having played a game more, but that outcome will depend on a win against Ards on Tuesday night.

The last time the two sides met was in early March when Ards unexpectedly won 2-1 on their first ever visit to Darragh Park. Since that encounter Ards have found results hard to come by, with just four points gained in the last seven games. Prior to Saturday's defeat to Ballinamallard, Dergview had won four league games on the trot, with three of those victories coming away from home.

Tuesday's game is the penultimate one of the season and has a 3.00pm kick-off. A buss for Ards supporters will leave the Sports Club at 6.45pm.

- TUESDAY'S FIXTURES

Ards v Dergview
Ballymoney United v Loughgall
HW Welders v Institute
Larne v Banbridge Town
Limavady United v Ballyclare Comrades

updated
26th April 2011

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