The top two in the Playr-Fit Championship stepped up their title charge as both Dundela and Portadown picked up maximum points in an action packed weekend of games.

League leaders Dundela left it late to claim all three points against in form Ballyclare Comrades. David McMaster scored the only goal of the game with only eight minutes remaining to maintain the Duns’ three point lead at the top of the Championship, which also denied the Comrades the opportunity to move up into third place.

It was goals galore at Shamrock Park, but despite taking an early lead through a Matthew Gorman own goal, Ards went in level at the break thanks to Ross Hunter. That goal only served to awaken Niall Currie’s side who swept the visitors aside in a second half blitz with goals from Ross Redman, Luke Wilson and Eamon Fyfe to claim all three points and keep pace in second position, Hunter added a late consolation for Ards – who remain in tenth place.

Newington talisman Zach Barr notched another two goals to take him to the top of the Championship’s goalscoring charts against Institute at Inver Park. Both goals came in the first half for the ‘Ton who stifled their promotion chasing opponents to move level on 33 points, only separated in third and fourth place now by goal difference. Institute’s goal was scored via a Francis Rice own goal on 26 minutes.

There was a big win on the road for HW Welders as they made it back-to-back league wins following a 2-1 win over Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park. First half goals from Tiarnan O’Connor and Jamie Glover sealed the victory for Paul Kee’s men, but they had a nervy finish to the game as Ballinamallard pulled a goal back through a Lewis Patterson own goal in the 90^th minute, but the Welders held out for the three points which moves them within a point of the top six.

Annagh United also made it back-to-back wins against struggling Dergview at the BMG Arena, two goals from substitute Craig Taylor and one from Jack Evans was enough to guarantee the win for Ciaran McGurgan and keep Dergview rooted in the relegation playoff position.

There was one game on Friday evening at Clandeboye Park, as Bangor ran out comfortable 4-1 winners against bottom placed Knockbreda. Two goals apiece in each half with Ben Arthurs, Scott McArthur, Adam Neale and a Jake Willis own goal leaves the Seasiders finishing the weekend in fifth position.