Newry City's lead at the summit has stretched to eight points following a top of the table defeat of Loughgall but there continues to be very little between the chasing pack.

Darren Mullen's side swept to a convincing 3-1 win over Loughgall at Lakeview Park. Daniel Hughes and Declan Carville struck in the first half before Mark Kelly added a third after the break, while the Villagers grabbed a consolation through Mark Patton.

Ballinamallard United took advantage to move into second spot after coming from behind to get past Knockbreda at Ferney Park. Stephen Garrett opened the scoring for 'Breda with just under a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock but Lee Warnock levelled soon after. Joshua McIlwaine then edged the Mallards in front before the break with Reece Byrne making sure later in the game.

Annagh United and HW Welders are level with Harry McConkey's charges on 35 points. Annagh showed great character to recover from two goals down to defeat Queen's University 4-3 at the BMG Arena.

Lee Upton had handed United an 11th minute advantage but James Lavery, Adam Calvert and Adam Robinson all scored to put the Students firmly in control. However Ruairi McDonald found the net either side of the hour to level things up before Aaron Rogers bagged a 71st minute winner.

The Welders claimed an important three points with a 2-1 defeat of Ards at the Blanchflower Stadium. Scott Davidson, on 26 minutes, and Matthew Henry just after the break opened up a two-goal lead and although Patrick Cafolla pulled one back it wasn't enough to spark a revival from the visitors.

Two goals in quick succession midway through the second half saw Dergview claim the points from Ballyclare Comrades' visit to Darragh Park. Cathal Farren opened the scoring on 68 minutes, with Matthew Kirk making it 2-0 five minutes after that.

Meanwhile, at the Brandywell, Dundela moved out of the bottom two with a three-goal victory over Institute. Kyle Owens opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, Rhys McDermott turned the ball into his own net on 52 minutes and Jordan Hughes completed the scoring right at the end.