Lough 41 Championship.
Dergview vs Ards.
Darragh Park.
Saturday 26th February at 3.00 p.m.
Anyone who saw the photos of Darragh Park after last weekend's storms will be amazed that the ground is fit to stage this game, albeit a day later than scheduled. Ironically the delayed date is because the floodlights aren't operational as a result of the flood damage, whereas the pitch has recovered quickly, as it has when flooded on previous occasions.
Recent events have done little to cheer up Ards fans, one point from the last two games following that encouraging win at Loughgall is a poor enough return, coupled with the registration problems with a Loughgall player meaning that three of their games were awarded to opponents, leaves Ards in sixth place, only a point ahead of Dergview and in danger of dropping down to the bottom half of the table. For those fans still harbouring hopes of a late run to a play off place, the Red and Blues are now a full eleven points behind second placed Annagh, one of the teams that benefited from Loughgall's misfortune.
Games between Ards and Dergview have been close this season, Ards drew 1-1 at Darragh Park in September although at one point they held a lead against a 10 man home side before conceding an equaliser. In November Dergview earned a 2-1 win at Bangor. Of course since those games Dergview's leading goalscorer Benny Igiehon joined Ards in the January transfer window and if selected tomorrow I'm sure Benny would love to open his Ards account against his old team.
A good result is imperative for Matthew Tipton's team tomorrow to at least keep them in the top six, after this fixture there are just four games before the split and two of those are away to teams currently in the top six in the shape of Newry City and Harland and Wolff Welders.
The PASC will not be running a bus to this game, fans planning to attend should keep an eye on the weather in case of further heavy rainfall which might affect the fixture.
Match Officials.
Referee - Neil Robinson.
1st Assistant - Roy Beacom.
2nd Assistant - Vikki Finlay.