Lough 41 Championship.
Ards vs Annagh United.
Clandeboye Park.
Saturday 22nd October at 3.00 p.m.
Ards face a tough task when they bid to return to winning ways against Annagh United on Saturday. Last week's defeat at the Brandywell was a shock to the system for the travelling fans after three successive wins in the league, but they take on an Annagh side that is second in the League, having suffered only one defeat so far and has beaten Ards in the last three games between the two sides, they also have a League Cup win against Premiership side Larne to their credit. Furthermore Annagh have the second best defensive record in the division, having only conceded eight times, in comparison to the 19 conceded by Ards. Not only is their defensive record good but they have Conor Mullen, their new signing from Armagh City in top form with six goals from nine games, while the evergreen Stephen Murray has weighed in with five goals so far.
Ards fans who made the long trek to Londonderry were mystified at the display as the starting eleven was the same one that had performed so well in the three previous league wins, a blustery wind made playing conditions difficult, but that was the same for both teams so can't really be used as a valid excuse. Maybe the return of Dee Dee McAllister, who came on as a substitute after a lengthy absence through injury, will help to galvanise the side, one thing is certain, if Ards are to mount a serious promotion challenge then they need to start winning games against other contenders, Saturday is as good a time to start as any!
The first fifty kids through the turnstiles for Saturday's game will be given an Ards F.C Goalkeeping Legends print, featuring the likes of internationals Paul Kee and Alan Fettis as well as Dennis Matthews from the four trophy winning 1973/74 side, a goodie bag and red and blue balloons so get there early!
Match Sponsors -
Tree House Interiors,
NG Shaw paint spray finishing services,
Georgina's Boutique.
Ball Sponsor -
Ted Sinnott.
Match Officials -
Referee - Neil Robinson.
1st Assistant - Jamie Patterson.
2nd Assistant - Shane Geary.