BetMcClean League Cup.
Ards vs Dollingstown.
Clandeboye Park.
Wednesday September 15th at 8.00 p.m
Ards take on Dollingstown from the NIFL Premier Intermediate League in this second round tie in the BetMcClean League Cup.
This is the fourth cup competition the Dollybirds have played in this season with mixed results so far.They secured a place in the second qualifying round of the Irish Cup, where they travel to Armagh City, when beating Crumlin Star on penalties after a 3-3 draw and last Saturday they progressed in the Bob Radcliffe Cup with a 5-0 home win over Tullyvallen Rangers. They were however knocked out of the Mid-Ulster Cup when they lost 2-0 at Portadown.
The knock-out competitions have restricted their opportunities to play league games, with only three completed so far. They started well when they beat Distillery 2-0 on opening day when ex Ards striker Gary Liggett notched one of their goals, but they have lost their next two games, 2-0 at home to Armagh City and 1-0 away to Moyola Park so they currently sit eighth in an eleven team division. Ards should not take their opponents lightly however for in addition to Liggett they have another ex Ards player in the shape of the ever reliable David McCullough, as well as goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan who was previously with Loughgall and Mark McCabe a forward with experience from Newry City and they harbour hopes of pushing for promotion to the Championship, not bad for a team that was only founded in 1979 and started off in Division Five of the Mid-Ulster League!
John Bailie may take the opportunity to give some of his players a rest before the important League clash away to Institute on Saturday. He admitted as much in his programme notes and that was before the bruising encounter with Dundela on Saturday which left a few more players in the walking wounded category. This does however give a chance for others who are looking to secure a regular spot in the starting line up a chance to make their mark and John has said that he wants his team to make progress in the cup competitions as well as mount a strong challenge for promotion, so he, and the fans will be looking for a good performance from whatever team he selects.
Fans are reminded that this is an 8.00 p.m kick off and season tickets are not valid. Admission will be £8 with concessions at £5.
Match Sponsors : John Ross & Sons. Solicitors, High Street, Newtownards.
Ball Sponsors : Albert Boal Quality Butchers, Movilla Road, Newtownards.
Match Officials :
Referee : Niall Gallagher.
1st Assistant : Stephen Bell.
2nd Assistant : Niall McGuinness.
