A big night in the Lough 41 Championship saw Loughgall stretch their lead at the top while things are getting very interesting at the foot of the table.

Loughgall laid down a huge marker with a 3-1 victory over third placed Warrenpoint Town at Milltown.

The Villagers moved in front through Robbie Norton after 14 minutes, with Ben Murdock adding a second eight minutes after the break. Pablo Andrade then added number three midway through the second half while ‘Point earned a consolation soon after through Luke Walsh.

Annagh United remain second but they lost a little ground after a scoreless draw away to on form HW Welders. Ciaran McGurgan’s created numerous efforts and even had the advantage of an extra man after the Welders lost Oisin Barr with around 20 minutes remaining, but they just couldn’t find a way through.

Dundela lost at home by the odd goal in five to bottom of the table Knockbreda. Tony Kane edged the Duns in front from the spot on 38 minutes but Anto Burns levelled for ‘Breda in first half stoppage time. Ewan McCoubrey early in the second half and then a Jay Magee own goal put the visitors in a strong position but Joshua Stewart pulled one back to set up a nervy finish.

There were five goals too at Dixon Park as Ballyclare Comrades squeezed past Ards. Darius Roohi bagged a brace for the Comrades either side of a Patrick Cafolla strike for the visitors, who then levelled courtesy of Ross Arthurs. However, Gary Donnelly popped up right at the end to secure the points for the home side.

Newington collected an important three points with a two-goal defeat of Institute at the Brandywell. Both goals came in the first half with Patrick Downey opening the scoring on seven minutes while Tiarnan McNicholl doubled the Swans’ advantage towards the break.

Meanwhile, in the derby at Darragh Park, Ballinamallard edged to a 2-1 victory over Dergview. Bobby Deane had fired the home side in front early on, with Joshua McIlwaine levelling midway through the first half. The Mallards then seized the advantage not long after the break when Graham Crown turned the ball into his own half.