Friday night Show at Newry

Ards go to Newry on Friday night, hoping to pile more misery on the team that lost their top spot in the league this week due to an administration error.

It was Monday evening when the IFA ruled that Newry were to forfeit the three points gained against Institute in the second fixture of the season, having fielded Don Tierney before his international clearance had been received. The loss of those points, subsequently awarded to Institute, saw Newry drop to third place, over taken by Bangor and new league leaders Ballinamallard.

That game aside, the records show that Newry had lost just once in the league this season - a 3-2 defeat to Bangor a week ago and they still maintain a one hundred percent home record. Ards, on the other hand, have had an inconsistent start to the season. An early run of good form and favourable fixtures had the team riding high in the table, but then the loss of five games in succession, three of those in the league, saw the side plummet down the standings and caused the departure of manager Justin McBride.

The new man at the helm Niall Currie saw his side win comfortably against Tobermore in his first outing last weekend but undoubtedly, he'll recognise Newry on Friday night as a much sterner test.

The Ards boss is likely to have no more options for the game than he did last week. Defender David Cully will sit out the second game of his two match suspension, while Rab Young is unlikely to return from injury. Both James Cully and Ryan Berry will be keen to make a return to the side, with neither starting last Saturday.

The last time the two sides met competitively was back in 2008 when then-Premiership Newry inflicted heavy defeats both home and away on Ards in the League Cup. Three or four Ards players remain from that period and they'll be keen to leave Newry Showgrounds with a little more to show for their efforts this time around.

There's no official bus going to the game this week and so fans are asked to make their own way for the 7.45pm kick-off.

- THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES (3.00pm unless stated)

Friday
Newry City v Ards (7.45pm)

Saturday
Glebe Rangers v Dergview
Institute v Banbridge Town
Larne v Ballinamallard United
Limavady United v HW Welders
Loughgall v Warrenpoint Town
Tobermore United v Bangor

27th October 2011

ardsfc.co.uk