Lough 41 Championship.
Newington vs Ards.
Solitude.
Saturday 11th March at 3.00 p.m.
Both these teams have won two of their last five but their aspirations for the rest of the season are completely different. In spite of their impressive win over Annagh last time out, Ards find themselves dropping to sixth place thanks to a last minute equaliser for Ballyclare Comrades against Loughgall on Tuesday night. They also have in form Welders just a point behind, as are Ballinamallard who have a game in hand on their two main rivals for a place in the top six come the split, which is just three games away and a place in that top six is the only realistic target left for the Red and Blues so the next three games are vital.
Newington however need the points to avoid being involved in a relegation fight. They are currently 10th on 30 points the same as Dergview who occupy the relegation play-off place. They have the same goal difference as Dergview but are ahead of them as they have scored two more than the men from Darragh Park.
This is the first trip to Solitude this season for Ards, both previous games against Newington have been at Clandeboye Park with Newington winning 2-1 in November while Ards got revenge with a similar scoreline in December, thanks to that last minute penalty save by Alex Moore.
An unfamiliar looking Ards defence with captain TJ Murray continuing at centre back, dealt quite well with a dangerous if misfiring Annagh forward line last Saturday, keeping their first clean sheet since early November and in the likely absence of Greg Hall and Kyle Calderwood there may not be too much tinkering with the back four, in which young Christopher McDonald continues to impress. Matthew Tipton may decide to retain the same defence or may involve Ben Mullen or Johnny Taylor who sat on the bench last Saturday. The Newington danger men are Darren Stuart and Gary Warwick who have nineteen between them so far.
The PASC will be running a bus to this game leaving Gibson's Lane/Social Club at 1.45 p.m and fans are encouraged to use this convenient service. It is hoped a big crowd will make their way to Solitude to support the team as they try to clinch that place in the top six.
Match Officials :-
Referee :- Louise Thompson.
1st Assistant :- Gareth O'Donnell.
2nd Assistant :- Niall McGuinness.