The Lough 41 Championship title race was turned on its head as the leading three sides all lost allowing the chasing pack to close the gap.

Leaders Loughgall tasted defeat for the first time this season with a two-goal reversal away to Warrenpoint Town. Barry Gray’s side stamped their authority on the game early on with both goals coming inside the opening ten minutes through a Luke Walsh volley and Jake O’Connor’s back post finish.

Annagh remain second but lost by the odd goal in three to Ards at Clandeboye Park. Eamon Scannell handed Ards the lead on the counter attack midway through the first half with Adam Salley doubling up with a tap in just after the hour. Stephen Murray did pull one back for Annagh but it was too late to spark a revival.

And a second half collapse saw Dundela go down 5-2 at Ballyclare Comrades. Niall Currie’s raced into a two-goal lead when a Tony Kane free-kick came off a home defender early on followed by a Benny Igiehon nodded finish before half-an-hour was up.

Home skipper Ian Fletcher reduced the deficit just before the break, and this inspired Ballyclare to go on to claim the points through Darius Roohi [2], Cathal Farren and Calvin McCurry in the second half.

HW Welders hit three goals without reply past Knockbreda at Breda Park. Jonny Frazer opened the scoring late in the first half with Charlie Dornan and substitute Matthew Ferguson adding to the scoreline after the break.

Two goals just after the hour saw Ballinamallard United defeat Institute at Ferney Park. Patrick Ferry headed in the opening goal on 61 minutes with Shane McGinty doubling up in similar fashion soon after. Shaun Leppard grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.

Meanwhile, the game between Dergview and Newington at Darragh Park was called off due to a waterlogged pitch following a morning pitch inspection.