McDONALD STRIKE GIVES ANNAGH THE EDGE

Annagh United claimed all three points from their trip to North Down to take on Ards at Clandeboye Park.

Ards crafted the first effort of note when Daniel Reynolds crossed from wide of the right for the incoming Benny Igiehon to attempt an ambitious flick over his shoulder and whilst the home side attempted to keep the ball active the move eventually fizzled out.

Christopher Crane then later sent a low cross into the box but, again, Igiehon was unable to make a connection at the near post.

For Annagh Robbie Norton whipped a cross into the area only for keeper Jack Lemoignan to gather just as Stephen Murray was poised to pounce while, at the other end, Patrick Cafolla had a go from outside the area but Eoin Hughes comfortably gathered. Gary Donnelly then attempted a dipping effort from distance but the ball went just over the top.

However, the deadlock was broken in Annagh's favour just before the break when Owen McConville laid the ball off for Ruairi McDonald just outside the area to send a rising finish over Lemoginan into the net.

The visitors might have doubled their advantage early in the second half when Murray burst into the right side of the area but Lemoignan did well to come off his line and deal with the threat.

But the remainder of the game was a largely scrappy affair with neither side able to must up anything more than a succession of half chances although Igiehon did come close right at the end with a close range near post header that produced a good stop from Hughes.

Ards: Lemoignan, Young, McGovern, McGrandles, Donnelly, McAllister, Ferrin, Igiehon, Crane, Cafolla, Reynolds subs Neeson (not used), Dinu (not used), Arthurs (replaced McAllister 85), O'Hare (not used), Jallow (replaced Ferrin 68), McCurry (not used), Tully (replaced Reynolds 63)

Annagh United: Hughes, McConville, Campbell, Harpur, Henderson, Duffin, Murray, Norton, McDonald, Rogers, Upton subs Cully (not used), Moffatt (replaced Norton 70), Palko (replaced McDonald 46), Eagle (replaced Duffin 78), McCullough (replaced Murray 70)