Newry City's lead at the top of the Lough 41 Championship stretched to six points following a good weekend for Darren Mullen's side.

They hit two goals without reply past Annagh United through Philip Donnelly and Declan Carville on Friday evening, and then saw nearest rivals Ards only pick up a point away to Ballinamallard United.

David McAllister fired Ards in front on 18 minutes, a lead they held for most of the game before BJ Banda - who earlier had a spot-kick saved by Brian Neeson - levelled in the latter stages of the second half only after Ards had been reduced to ten men following TJ Murray's sending off.

That allowed Loughgall to move back into second spot courtesy of a narrow victory over bottom club Queen's University thanks to Nedas Maciulaitis' finish after the break.

Darren Murray bagged a hat-trick as HW Welders defeated Dergview 3-1 at the Blanchflower Stadium while, staying in east Belfast, Dundela beat Ballyclare Comrades 3-0 on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, at Breda Park, nine-man Knockbreda grabbed a last gasp equaliser to draw 2-2 with Institute. Karl Hamill got the crucial touch just as 'Stute looked like they'd claim the points courtesy of Brendan McLaughlin's spot-kick.