Lough 41 Championship.
Ards vs Loughgall.
Clandeboye Park.
Friday 19th August at 7.45 p.m.
Ards first home game of the season is an evening kick off against Loughgall. Coincidentally their first home game last season was also an evening kick off against the same opposition and on that occasion, a Tuesday night, the Red and Blues triumphed 3-1 to follow up the 3-2 win at Annagh on opening day. The Ards goals in that game were scored by Paddy Cafolla, adding to his double against Annagh, and the since departed Kym Nelson and Jamie Glover.
Both sides started the season with three points, Ards made the short trip to the impressive Blanchflower Stadium and won 2-0 against the Welders with a very encouraging, disciplined and hard working performance capped off with a goal in each half from Greg Hall and Paddy Cafolla. The visitors also had a good opening day, with their own 2-0 victory at home to Warrenpoint who came down from the Premiership following relegation last season. Incidentally their second goal was scored by Benji Magee who was quite recently with Ards.
Matthew Tipton will have been pleased with his side last weekend and changes in the starting line-up are unlikely as long as Salou Jallow and Dee Dee McAllister suffered no ill effects after some heavy challenges. Alex Moore, Luke McKendry and Ethan Taggart all showed up well on their competitive debut in Red and Blue and there were good performances all over the park, Conal Young may come back into the reckoning if fully recovered from injury to his arm.
Loughgall have a strong squad and will present a real challenge as they are one of several sides in realistic contention for promotion at the end of the season, even at this early stage neither manager will want to drop points, hopefully a big home crowd will turn up and get behind the team.
Season Tickets and Ards Amigo boxes will be available if you haven't already got yours. Contact me or any Director.
Match Sponsor :- F.B.Motors, 27-29 West Street, Newtownards.
Ball Sponsor :- Golf Hub, Unit 5&6, North Road Business Park, Newtownards.
Match Officials :
Referee :- Glenn Buchanan.
1st Assistant :- Shane Geary.
2nd Assistant :- Kieran Eannetta.