Lough 41 Championship.
Ards vs Dundela.
Clandeboye Park.
Saturday 11th September @ 3.00 p.m
Both sets of fans have been waiting for this one, apart from the fact that the Duns are the closest Championship team geographically to Clandeboye Park, incidentally back to it's previous name after the end of the sponsorship deal, which could mean this is regarded as a derby game, there are numerous links between the clubs in terms of personnel. Top of that list is the Duns manager Colin Nixon who was previously in charge of the Red and Blues will no doubt want to put one over his old employers. On the playing front there are no less than six players in Nixon's squad that have spent time with Ards, Guillame Keke, Eoghan McCawl, Michael Kerr, William Faulkner, Johnny Taylor and Owain Beggs. The latter has already notched three goals this season, including a double in the 2-2 draw at Ballinamallard. The point won at Ferney Park is actually the only one that Dundela have gained so far this season and they currently find themselves bottom of the table with just that solitary point from their six games so far. It has been a disappointing start for the men from the Hen Run who looked like real contenders for the league having added the experienced Tony Kane and Kyle Owens to what was already a decent looking squad.
However in spite of sitting in second place twelve points ahead of their opponents Ards can't afford to be complacent. After four consecutive wins their 100% record was ended in a competitive game at Newry and last time out they failed to capitalise on an early goal and a sending off, allowing ten man Dergview to come back and share the points.
Team selection might again prove difficult for John Bailie, a number of players are carrying injuries and James Ferrin only had the stitches removed this week from the injury he sustained at Newry so isn't expected to take part. Dee Dee McAllister is training again but is not yet match fit and Aaron Brown is also out. Whatever the starting eleven they will need to be up for the game as no doubt Colin Nixon will have his team fired up and looking for the points needed to get away from the relegation spot.
Match Sponsors : TreeHouse Interiors , NG Shaw ,Georgias Boutique
Ball Sponsor : Frances Street Service Station Newtownards.
Match Officials :
Referee : Louise Thompson.
1st Assistant : Bogdan Sfirloaga.
2nd Assistant : Patrick Cullen.
