Lough 41 Championship.
Ards vs Dergview.
Clandeboye Park.
Friday 19th November at 8.00 p.m.
This is a big game for John Bailie's men as they bid to end a run that has seen them get just one point and just one goal from the last four matches. As a consequence the Red and Blues have lost their proud spot at the top of the table and now sit second, four points behind Newry City. Equally important is that there are five teams sitting within three points of Ards while the form team of the division, namely Knockbreda, are only a point behind that chasing group. If ever there was a good time to find the shooting boots and earn three points then this is it! Added to that picture is the fact that after this game the next four games are away from home as the consequence of switching the game with the Welders earlier in the season.
The team news is that Calvin McCurry is available after his call up to the Under 21 squad and it is hoped that Ross Arthurs may be fit to return after scoring in a 4-1frriendly played behind closed doors against Killyleagh from the Amateur League on Tuesday, Daniel Reynolds was also on target with a brace in that game. Missing from the squad will be Conal McGrandles who was shown the red card for comments made to the referee after the final whistle in the defeat at Dundela last Saturday, an action that will see him disciplined by the club.
Dergview sit in ninth position but are in good form with only one defeat in the last five, although that defeat came last Friday at the hands of Annagh United. Tommy Canning's team will take confidence from the memory of the first encounter with Ards this season at Darragh Park, when Ards took the lead and the home side had a player dismissed but fought back to draw 1-1. They also have an in-form strike force with Benny Igiehon and Phillip Farren responsible for five of the last six goals scored by the team.
It's Friday night under the lights and our three previous Friday night home games this season have resulted in 3-0 wins against both Queens and Ballyclare and a good display in a 1-1 draw with Newry City. Hopefully a big crowd will come and cheer the team as they try to continue their Friday night form.
Match Officials -
Referee - To be confirmed.
1st Assistant - Bryan Magill.
2nd Assistant - Octavian George Neascu.
Match Sponsors - Guiseppe's Pizzeria, Frances Street, Newtownards.
Ball Sponsor - Piggott and Sons Recovery and Car Disposal.
