Ards welcome Bangor to Dixon Park on Saturday for the second derby game of the season, with a number of regulars absent from the side.

Niall Currie has had his options limited all week with the knowledge that defender James Cully and midfielder Jimmy McIlhagga would both serve their one match suspension against Bangor. Top scorer Nathan McConnell will miss his third match in succession as he recovers from a broken cheekbone, while news came this week that Darren Nixon would miss the weekend's action as he attends a wedding.

With those four removed from the available squad, options are certainly limited, but the boss will be able to call upon Ryan Berry again, after the midfielder recovered from recent Achilles trouble. With no game last Saturday, the time off has also allowed David Cully to recover from a knock he sustained against Tobermore and he took part in this week's training to confirm he'll rejoin the squad. Graeme McKibbin will continue in goal, with Jack Duffin completing his loan spell this coming Monday sadly on the injured list.

Ryan Berry - fit to return Picture: Gareth McCluskey

Bangor come into the game on the crest of their win in last Saturday's Steel & Sons Cup final, where they deservedly picked up a victory over Larne. For boss Frankie Wilson, the cup was the first trophy of his reign and he'll be eager that his side don't suffer any kind of hangover from the success against Ards.

The final win took the Seasiders to five games unbeaten that included league draws with Warrenpoint and Loughgall and cup wins over Sirocco and Portstewart. Bangor's last defeat came in the November derby with Ards, when a solitary goal from Ross Arthurs separated the two sides at Clandeboye Park.

Ards' last outing was away in Tobermore, a match that they won 4-1 with Arthurs twice on the score sheet. Currie's men are still unbeaten in league matches since he came on board in October and Ards presently hold third spot, five points clear of their North Down rivals.

For Ards fans travelling to the game, there will be a bus leaving the Sports Club in Regent Street at 1.50pm. The match has a 3pm kick-off and is sponsored by eye4education, while the ball sponsor is H & J Carnduff Butchers.

30th December 2011

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This weekend's fixtures (3pm unless stated)

Championship 1
Ards v Bangor
Glebe Rangers v Tobermore United (1.00pm)
Institute v Limavady United
Larne v HW Welders
Loughgall v Banbridge Town (2.00pm)
Warrenpoint Town v Newry City (2.00pm)

JJB Sports Irish Cup
Dergview v Knockbreda (1.30pm)