Broken Toe Suspected for Whack
30th November 2007

Not the news Ards fans wanted to hear on the eve of Saturday's 2nd round Intermediate Cup tie that key midfielder Craig McMillen could be out of action whole of December.

An injury midway through the second half of last weekend's defeat to Bangor saw the popular McMillen leave the play early and fears are now that he may have suffered a broken toe. The injury is not yet confirmed although if true Ards could miss Craig's services for three or four weeks.

Craig McMillen

Ards had been expected to travel to Lower Maze on Saturday with virtually a full panel, minus Johnny Shaw who recently got married. Now McMillen is on the injured list as is Ricky Billing, who failed to train this week. He was in line for a possible recall having missed the last game because of suspension, but his exclusion leaves Ards one attacking option down again.

Good news comes in the fact that top scorer Darren Stirling should return, having completed his own suspension by missing the Bangor game. Options are opened up further for Tommy Kincaid with the trio of Ryan Newberry, Johnny Cleary and David Cully  all having taken part in the action last weekend following the respective injuries and each of those players will have another week of fitness behind them.

The manager has also taken the step of calling up Colts' defender Mark Drysdale, who turned out for the first team late last season.

Cup opponents Lower Maze are undefeated in their league programme this season and currently sit second in Intermediate B of the Mid-Ulster League, having beaten Camlough 4-3 in their last game. They play their games at the former Prison officers' venue just outside Maze village, a ground that is best reached along the A3 from Moira roundabout.

The Premier Ards SC have a bus running to the game, leaving the social club at 12.15pm, with the club open slightly before that time to allow fans to gather. Supporters should note the earlier than usual 1.30pm kick-off time.

ardsfc.co.uk