THE CHAMPIONSHIP BEATS THE WEATHER

23 Nov 2024
football

A full weekend of Playr-Fit Championship action produced victories for Bangor, Annagh United, Newington, Ards and Dundela.

Bangor now hold a massive 12-point advantage at the top of the table following a narrow defeat of HW Welders at the Blanchflower Stadium.

The Seasiders needed just one goal to get past the Welders with Ben Arthurs bagging the all important finish just before the break after being played through by Ben Cushnie.

Dundela now lead the chasing pack after defeating Newry City by two goals at The Showgrounds.

Michael McLellan opened the scoring on 39 minutes with a finish into the bottom right before doubling up a few minutes later with a back post header from David McMaster’s ball across the area.

Annagh United were the top scorers across the weekend, hitting five without reply past Ballyclare Comrades at the BMG Arena.

Ryan Swan kicked the scoring off with just over ten minutes on the clock after Philip Donnelly had played the ball over from the right.

Swan turned provider just before the break to tee Craig Taylor up to make it 2-0 at the back post, with Jack Evans adding a third early in the second half after beating the offside trap.

Stephen Murray added to the tally with a neat finish from inside the area a couple of minutes from the end just before Paul Finnegan wrapped it up after a Ruairi McDonald ricocheted off him into the net.

Conor Scannell grabbed both goals as Ards defeated Limavady United at Clandeboye Park.

Scoreless at the break, Scannell broke the deadlock just after the hour after the visiting keeper had dropped a shot at his feet.

Then, on 75 minutes, he made sure of the points after collecting the ball outside the area and firing low into the bottom left.

And bottom of the table Newington picked up a much needed three points with victory over Ballinamallard United at Inver Park with Patrick Downey popping up deep into added time to hit the winner.

Meanwhile, at the Brandywell, it ended scoreless between Institute and Armagh City on Friday night.