There’s little between the leading protagonists in the Playr-Fit Championship following another action packed weekend that produced victories for Ballinamallard United, Bangor, Dundela, HW Welders and Newington.
The standout game of the day saw Dundela welcome leaders Portadown to Wilgar Park, but two second half goals ensured the Duns collected the points to join Niall Currie’s side at the top with only goal difference between them.
Scoreless at the break, Jordan Jenkins edged the home side in front from the spot on 51 minutes before, in stoppage time, Lee Rea grabbed a second goal to make sure.
Institute are just a couple of points further behind in third spot, but they needed two late goals to salvage a point from their visit to Dergview on Friday evening.
Niall McGinley and Shane McMonagle handed Dergview a strong advantage after an hour, but a Sean McCarron late goal threw ‘Stute a glimmer of hope before, deep into added time, Blaine Burns knocked the ball into his own net to earn the visitors a point.
Newington produced a strong performance to get past Ards at Inver Park.
Jack Reilly and Aodhfionn Casey struck inside the opening 20 minutes and although Callum Dougan pulled one back midway through the first half a Zach Barr double – all before the break – ensured victory for the Swans.
HW Welders also hit four as they swept bottom of the table Knockbreda aside at the Blanchflower Stadium.
An Ashton McDermott own goal kicked the scoring off after nine minutes, with Lewis Patterson, Matthew Ferguson and Kyle Owens all getting their names on the scoresheet after the break. Igor Rutkowski did bag a consolation for ‘Breda, who now find themselves ten points adrift.
Bangor moved into fifth spot thanks to a late strike giving them a 3-2 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park.
Lewis Francis bagged the winner for the Seasiders in the 94th minute after Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs had found the net to cancel out efforts from Callum Ferris and Gary Donnelly.
Meanwhile, at Ferney Park, a couple of late goals for Dylan Boyle and Peter Maguire were enough for Ballinamallard United to defeat Annagh United.
