The form book in the Lough 41 Championship was ripped up this weekend as the leading three sides managed just one point between to allow the chasing pack to close the gap at the top.

Leaders Ards went down by a single goal to Loughgall at Lakeview Park. The Villagers' winner came on the hour after Andrew Hoey took the ball past two defenders before firing past Brian Neeson.

Newry, in second spot, also slipped to a narrow defeat. They hosted Dergview on Friday evening but were two down to goals from Benny Igiehon and Cathal Farren with just over half-an-hour on the clock and despite James Teelan pulling one back on the stroke of half-time were unable to claw anything back in the second half.

Ballyclare Comrades did avoid losing but were held to a scoreless draw at home to Institute. 'Stute squandered a penalty award just before the hour whilst the Comrades ended the game with ten men following Howard Beverland's second half dismissal.

HW Welders have a late goal to thank for their victory over Queen's University at The Dub. Charlie Dornan opened the scoring for the Welders early on before Marc McKenna levelled for the Students midway through the first half. However, Michael McLellan knocked home what proved to be the winner later in the second period.

Ballinamallard United moved into the top six with victory over Annagh United at Ferney Park, the only goal of the game coming early in the second half courtesy of a Jason McCartney spot-kick.

Meanwhile, Knockbreda and Dundela shared six goals in an enthralling encounter at Breda Park.

The home side raced into a two-goal lead after half-an-hour thanks to finishes from Ethan Devine and Lee Rea but Ryan McKay pulled one back for the Duns moments from the break.

This sparked a second half revival which saw Jay Magee and Willie Faulkner edge Niall Currie's side in front before Andrew Long levelled matters with five minutes remaining. The visitors then squandered an opportunity to claim the points when Owain Beggs was denied from the spot by 'Breda keeper Lewis Deane.