Belfast Telegraph Championship 1
Ards 2-0 Tobermore United

Ards delivered a win for new boss Niall Currie in his first game in charge with goals from Aaron McKee and Nathan McConnell ensuring a victory over Tobermore United.

All eyes had been on what Currie's first line-up would be, and while he always had to leave someone out, the new supremo's options were somewhat hampered by unavailability. With both his right-backs Rab Young and David Cully ruled out, Sammy Devine was deployed in that role, while Ciaran Boyd continued on the opposite side with Kris Pike not yet resumed training. In midfield there was a start for Gareth Corey on the left but there was no place in the team for either Ryan Berry or James Cully.

Ards enjoyed near domination of the first half, with Tobermore failing to test opposing keeper Graeme McKibbin even once. The danger man for Ards for the most of the game was Mark Picking, who worked tirelessly up and down the right wing. It was his cross on six minutes that almost laid a chance on for McConnell but the Ards striker had the ball knocked from his path by a fine intercepting header from United's Jason Campbell.

Ciaran Boyd challenges Davy Patton for the ball Picture: Gareth McCluskey

Five minutes later and Ards worked a good move that saw Jimmy McIlhagga pass through the centre for McConnell. His cushioned touch saw the ball onto strike partner Ross Arthurs with the Ards man shooting wide from the left side of goal.

Tobermore's only sight of the Ards goal came on 22 minutes after a poorly delivered free kick from Ards' Ciaran Boyd was cleared quickly up the field. With Ards well committed in their opponents' half, David Patton began a chase for the loose ball but was beaten to it by keeper McKibbin, who showed good composure in leaving his goal and clearing the danger.

Striker Arthurs was set up for another good chance on 26 minutes when Corey and Boyd combined on the right to feed the ball to Arthurs' position in the left side of the box. Arthurs first touch was good, to set himself up for the volley, but he failed to find the target with the ball hurtling well over the bar.

The game's opening goal arrived in the 33rd minute. Picking was again the thorn in the Tobermore side as he worked his way down the right flank and delivered a cross that struck the arm of David McClements. The Tobermore man became the game's second player to be cautioned as Ards were awarded a penalty. Aaron McKee took the responsibility and he fairly rattled the ball into the roof of Sammy Foster's net.

The common Ards attribute of starting slowly after the break reared its head again as the teams came out for the second half. A great chance was created within those first few minutes though with the hard-working McKee bringing in Picking who put a great ball onto the head of Corey at the back post, but he was denied by a fine Foster save.

Tobermore were generally seeing a lot more possession but still were struggling to make any real breakthroughs. Ards were being forced to defend considerably more and for a time it seemed as though right-back Devine would have to be withdrawn as he struggled for a moment with injury. On 71 minutes a great opening appeared for Ards as Picking broke away up the right side. With support from McConnell and McIlhagga in the centre, Picking had plenty of options but ultimately chose the wrong one of going it alone and quickly lost possession.

Niall Currie applauds at the final whistle Picture: Gareth McCluskey

Straight down to the far end and United drew a save from McKibbin for the first time. Neil Lamont's low drive was likely heading wide but McKibbin got down early to ensure the ball went the wrong side of the post. McKibbin was tested again some ten minutes later when Timmy McCombe drilled in a low free kick from 25 yards that the keeper initially spilled before safely gathering again.

A second goal was what was needed to put some gloss on the Ards performance and they deservedly got it six minutes from the end. The move began on the Ards left with the ball pushed forward for Arthurs and he delivered a pinpoint cross for McConnell who leaped to head past Foster for his tenth strike of the season.

Three points on the board that take Ards back up to fifth and get Niall Currie's tenure up and running.

Sponsor's Man of the Match Aaron McKee

Ards Team 1 Graeme McKibbin (GK), 8 Sammy Devine, 5 Darren Nixon (capt.), 4 Gary Spence, 16 Ciaran Boyd, 19 Mark Picking, 11 Aaron McKee, 17 Jimmy McIlhagga, 15 Gareth Corey, 9 Nathan McConnell, 10 Ross Arthurs

Substitutes 6 Ryan Berry (for Picking 89), 14 James Cully, 21 Adam Arthurs

Referee David Basketfield

22nd October 2011

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