Ards looking to turn tide

Ballinamallard are the visitors to Dixon Park this weekend, with Ards eager to get back to winning ways after a serious of poor results.

Just two weeks ago Ards were enjoying a very successful start to the season; they were unbeaten in six, briefly flirted with top spot in the Championship and Nathan McConnell was setting goal-scoring records. That fairytale run had to come to an end of course, and so it did inside eight days, as Ards lost two games outright and suffered defeat on penalties in another.

An uninspiring performance against Limavady United in the league two weeks ago saw Ards go down 2-0 and McConnell suffer his first blank outing in eight games. A midweek defeat to Cliftonville followed as Justin McBride's team crashed out of the IRN-BRU League Cup before the hat-trick of poor results was completed last Saturday with a 4-3 shoot-out defeat to Linfield Swifts in the Steel & Sons Cup.

Ballinamallard meanwhile, could only dream of such an exciting start to the season. Somewhat cursed by geography, the Mallards have suffered a stop-start programme brought about by their lack of participation in the regional competitions that form such a staple part of the early season action. Whilst other sides have completed five or six league fixtures, United have managed just the four although with three of those games ending with victories, Fermanagh's only Championship standard side currently hold fourth place in the table, level on points with Ards.

Their last outing was a losing one however, a 2-0 defeat to Limavady United in the second round of the league cup. Last Saturday Whitey Anderson had his men turn out to record a 2-0 friendly win over Lurgan Celtic, but the mood around the club turned sour during the week with the announcement that stalwart Cathal Beacom was to depart the club after three years, due to work commitments.

Team wise, Ards are likely to again be without midfielder James Cully, who last week was sporting a sling as a result of a shoulder injury picked up against Limavady. His brother David should be fit enough to play this weekend despite having to go off early last Saturday with a cut to his head. The major worry for Ards remains full back Kris Pike, who made his return to the side seven days ago after six games out injured. The left-back managed just over half an hour though before having to withdraw from the game.

Supporters travelling to Saturday's match can avail of the Premier Ards Supporters' Club bus, which departs from the Ards Sports Club at 1.50pm. The match itself has a 3pm start.

- THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES (3.00pm)

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

30th September 2011

ardsfc.co.uk