As new manager John Bailie took charge of the Red and Blues for the first time Ards faced 4th placed Dundela. Nelson and Murray were both suspended while Cushnie and Wilson both remained injured.
In the first minute of play a lovely ball from Eamon McAllister was followed up by a header by Michael McLellan, however his attempt was just wide of the left hand post. Soon afterwards Craig McMillen’s cross found McLellan again but this time his chance was denied by the right hand post. As Ards kept up the pressure, the 28th minute saw McMillens shot from close range bring a fine save from Dundela keeper Ryan McBride. In a rare home attack Dundela captain Owain Beggs’ attempt was denied by Brian Neeson. Dundela should have opened the scoring when a breakaway produced a one on one with Neeson but the shot went wide. The next significant action saw the away side take the lead when McMillen's corner found Taylor who headed back across goal for Scott McMillan to head the opening goal, 0-1.
Early in the second half Ards had a goal disallowed to the anger of the Red and Blue Army. However they didn’t have to wait long for a second as the Dundela keeper McBride made a poor clearance that left McLellan with a good chance and in his efforts to atone McBride was sent off as he was judged to have handled the ball outside the box. Ards were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box. Michael McLellan took the strike with his superb attempt finding the top corner to double the lead. Then familiar face Carl McComb’s chance was just wide of Neeson's left hand post as the ten men had a period where they pushed hard to get back in the game. However Ards got their third after 79 minutes when McLellan scored his second when a smart turn and strike from inside the box found the back of the net.
Beggs then had his freekick denied by Ards stopper Brian Neeson as the game drew to a close and ended 0-3. A good start to John Bailie's management career at Ards FC as they put on an improved performance and go home with all three points. Next week Ards face Loughgall at the Bangor Fuels Arena, striker Michael McLellan will be suspended due to a yellow card he picked up at Wilgar Park.
Team ; Neeson : McMillan, McGovern, Taylor, Armstrong : E.McAllister, Harris, McConnell, D.McAllister : McMillen, McLellan.
Subs used : Calderwood, Higginson, Magee.