HW Welders remain top of the Playr-Fit Championship, but only on goal difference after they went down 3-1 away to Ards.

There were also victories for Bangor, Dundela, Institute and Ballinamallard United while, on Friday night, Newry City kicked the weekend off with victory over Ballyclare Comrades.

The Welders moved in front at Clandeboye Park midway through the first half when David Parkhouse found the net, but skipper Michael Ruddy levelled for Ards soon after from the spot.

But it took a Lee Newell double after the break to settle the tie, he edged Ards in front after holding off a defender on 73 minutes and made sure with his second of the afternoon ten minutes later.

Bangor joined the Welders on 16 points after a 4-1 win on the road against Armagh City.

Conor Mullen fired the Eagles into a first minute lead, but goals before the break from Matthew Ferguson and Ben Cushnie saw the Seasiders take the advantage.

Cushnie struck again early in the second half from ten yards out, with Scott McArthur adding Bangor’s fourth late on.

Michael McLellan scored both goals for third placed Dundela in their victory over Annagh United at Wilgar Park.

McLellan fired home a deflected 25-yard free-kick on 31 minutes before nodding in his second just over ten minutes after that.

Ballinamallard United struck a late winner as they got past Limavady United at the Showgrounds.

Jamie Dunne edged the Mallards in front just before the half-hour mark, with Graham Crown levelling around the hour mark. Darragh Stewart then popped up in added time to secure victory for the visitors.

Institute were the top scorers of the day with a four-goal haul over Newington at the Brandywell.

Padraig Lynch struck twice in quick succession midway through the first half, with Michael Harris and Mikhail Kennedy adding to the scoreline after the break.

And, on Friday night, Newry City defeated Ballyclare Comrades 2-1 at the Showgrounds through goals from Fra McCaffrey and Ryan McNickle, with Marcus Murphy hitting a late consolation for the Comrades.