WELDERS 1 V 2 ARDS

Ards faced eighth placed Harland and Wolff Welders at Tillysburn Park looking to secure a place in the top six. The home side had the first chance of the game when a scramble in front of goal nearly saw Ards legend Ross Arthur’s effort find the back of the net, however the danger was eventually cleared. On 19 minutes minute a pass from Championship player of the month Eamon McAllister found TJ Murray inside the box, however his header was just off target. Ards did take the lead though 4 minutes later when after good work from Eamon McAllister, Nelson's strike was saved with the rebound falling to Caoimhin McConnell whose shot found the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the away side. Eamon McAllister’s run and well timed attempt was then blocked by familiar face Scott McMillan before, in the 35th minute, McConnell’s header was saved by Welders keeper Miskelly. A corner from David McAllister then gave Murray another headed opportunity which was just wide of the left hand post. The last chance of the half fell to the home side but Charlie Doman’s free header was well saved by Brian Neeson. Early in the second half Kyle Calderwood’s strong strike from outside the box was palmed away by Miskelly. On the hour Conall Young was deemed to have pulled a Welders player's shirt in the penalty area, with the home side awarded a penalty. Another ex-Ards player, Scott Davidson, took the spot kick finding the back of the net to level the game. Then, David McAllister was able to take advantage of McMillan’s mistake, however his effort was denied by Miskelly. Shortly after brother Eamon's strike inside the box was also blocked by the busy Welders keeper at the near post. In the dying minutes after much pressure from Ards Gary Spence brought down Young in the box and Ards were awarded a penalty. Kym Nelson took the spot kick cooly finding the back of the net to make it 1-2, with the game ending shortly afterwards. A deserved victory sees Ards continue their good form ahead of the Championship split. Next up is Newry at the Showgrounds on Saturday. Yellow cards- TJ Murray. Conall Young. Starting eleven- Neeson, Young, McGovern, Taylor, Armstrong, D.McAllister, Calderwood, Nelson, Murray, E.McAllister, McConnell. Subs used - Wilson, Dinu and Gemmell.