Ards vs Loughgall.
Bluefin Sport Championship.
Bangor Fuels Arena.
Saturday 21st December at 3.00 p.m.
It's the last game before Christmas and John Bailie's first home game managing the team he played for for so many years, if that isn't enough to drag you away from Christmas shopping there is a well-known visitor who will be handing out selection boxes and mince pies to lucky fans, so get down early!
As far as the game goes Ards fans will hope the team can continue the improved performance shown last week in the 3-0 win at Dundela. Michael McLellan, who scored twice against the Duns will be missing from the panel as he also picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, so is suspended for one game. On the plus side Kym Nelson and T.J.Murray are available, having completed their suspensions. Dylan Wilson and Ben Cushnie, who have been missing through injury recently are still on the doubtful list.
Loughgall are eleven points clear of Ards in the table, but Ards do have a game in hand so a win on Saturday would help narrow the gap. The Villagers were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home by Queens last weekend but did get back on the winning trail by winning 3-1 at Annagh United on Tuesday to clinch a place in the Mid-Ulster Cup Final.
When the two sides met at Loughgall in late September they fought out a 0-0 draw, a rare result for both teams this season. Loughgall have a potent attack, with their 43 league goals being the second highest but when on form the Ards defence can be difficult to breach, with eight clean sheets to their credit so far this season.
Let's hope that a good crowd will be there to see an early Christmas present in the form of a win and three more points.
There will be a collection at the match in aid of our charity partner Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, so please give generously!
Match Sponsor : Romas Newtownards.
Ball Sponsor : Prime Shine Car Wash.
Match Officials :
Referee : Glenn Buchanan.
1st Assistant : Jamie Cairnduff.
2nd Assistant : Jamie Patterson.