Loughgall are now five points clear at the top of the Lough 41 Championship following a three-goal victory over Ballinamallard United while nearest challengers Annagh United dropped points at home.

The Villagers continue to remain unbeaten this season across all competitions, and moved in front against the Mallards at Lakeview Park with less than a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock after Ben Murdock tapped home a Mark Patton corner. Nathaniel Ferris added a second midway through the first half with a header from another Patton set piece before, with around ten minutes left, Andrew Hoey knocked home a third.

Annagh stay second but had to settle a point from Ballyclare Comrades’ visit to the BMG Arena. Paul Finnegan edged Ciaran McGurgan’s side in front on 18 minutes, a lead they held until the closing moments when Darius Roohi headed home an equaliser from Cathal Farren’s free-kick.

Dundela moved to within a couple of points of Annagh thanks to a narrow defeat of Knockbreda at Darragh Park. Michael Kerr grabbed the opener for the Duns with a 25th minute header from Tony Kane’s corner but ‘Breda levelled early in the second half courtesy when Tamer Atrach made no mistake from six yards. However Niall Currie’s men regained the advantage moments later when Eamon Fyfe beat Jonah Nicholl from an acute angle.

A couple of goals either side of the break handed Institute the points against Ards at the Brandywell. Cathair Friel edged ‘Stute in front in first half stoppage time after heading home Cormac Burke’s left-sided cross before, not long after the interval, a goalkeeping error by Alex Moore under pressure from Burke saw Jamie Dunne’s corner roll over the line.

The game between HW Welders and Dergview at the Blanchflower Stadium was abandoned at half-time following an injury to a visiting player.