Loughgall took a huge step towards a return to the top flight with a thumping defeat of Ards at Lakeview Park in the first game after the split.

The Villagers are now eight points clear at the top, going in front with a couple of goals just before the break.

Aaron Duke opened the scoring with a tap in on 41 minutes with Benjamin Magee doubling up right on the half-time whistle. Loughgall extended their advantage with goals from Jamie Rea and Duke just after the hour while Andrew Hoey wrapped things up later in the game.

Second placed Warrenpoint Town had to come from behind to secure a share of the spoils from Dundela’s visit to Milltown.

Jonah Mitchell edged the Duns in front with around a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock, a lead they held until early in the second half when Luke Wade Slater levelled for ‘Point.

Annagh United’s poor run of form continued with a 2-1 defeat away to Ballyclare Comrades.

Darius Roohi sent a low effort into the corner to open the scoring after five minutes, but Stephen Murray hit back for Annagh with a curling left-foot strike before the hour before 16-year-old Michael Leetch blasted home Ballyclare’s winner with nine minutes left.

Bottom of the table Knockbreda handed their survival hopes a huge boost with a 3-2 win over Institute, who now drop to 11th, at Breda Park.

Jamie Dunne got ‘Stute off to a great start after barely two minutes, although Anto Burns levelled for ‘Breda around 15 minutes after that.

Sean McCarron edged the visitors back in front before the break with a free-kick but again Burns brought the home side back into it, this time with a spot-kick midway through the second half. Charlie Dornan then bagged what proved to be the winner with a pinpoint header in the closing moments.

Dergview moved out of the play-off spot with a two-goal victory over HW Welders at Darragh Park. Garth Falconer knocked home the opening goal from close range on 25 minutes, with Mikhail Kennedy hitting a second just before the hour.

Meanwhile, at Solitude, Newington swept to a 4-1 win over Ballinamallard United.

Ben McCann had fired the Mallards in front on 14 minutes only for Eamonn Hughes to knock home a penalty on 23 minutes.

Gary Warwick edged the Swans in front on the stroke of half-time, and that was how it stayed until goals late in the game from Michael Morgan and Jack Reilly secured the points for Newington.