Loughgall’s pursuit of the Lough 41 Championship title took another step forward as they moved six points clear in a dramatic day of action in the second tier.

The Villagers turned out another impressive victory against Ards at Lakeview Park, as they opened the scoring after just 16 minutes through Robbie Norton and then a second half quick-fire double from Jamie Rea (68 minutes) and then Nathaniel Ferris (72 minutes) from the penalty spot sealed the victory and heaped more pressure on an Ards side that have now slipped out of the top six with only half a dozen games to go until the split.

There was high drama in the battle of the bottom two at Breda Park as Dergview looked like they had pulled themselves out of the relegation zone, but Tommy Canning’s side were undone by a stunning two goal salvo from Knockbreda deep into stoppage time to finish 3-3.

The promotion race is still on for both Annagh United and Warrenpoint Town, but in the meeting of second versus third, it was Barry Gray’s ‘Point side that emerged victorious in a tight encounter at the BMG Arena – the match settled only by Ryan Swan’s eighth minute penalty.

Dundela are now well positioned to make the top six after a steely away win at Ferney Park over Ballinamallard United. Peter McKiernan scored twice for the Duns either side of David McAllister’s strike which leaves Paul Harbinson’s men in fourth place.

The big winners and highest scorers of the day were Ballyclare Comrades as there were six different goalscorers on the mark for Stephen Small’s side at Dixon Park. Calvin McCurry, Darius Roohi, Callum Ferris, Gary Donnelly, Howard Beverland and Liam Hassin were all on target in the 6-2 victory over Institute which will boost their top six hopes.

At Soltiude, it was another win for in form HW Welders, who move into sixth place after their 3-0 win over Newington with goals from Matthew Ferguson, Michael McLellan and Johnny Frazer.