Championship

VILLAGERS CROWNED BUT 'BREDA RELEGATED

29 Apr 2023
football

Loughgall were presented with the Lough 41 Championship trophy as the season drew to a close, but Knockbreda were relegated following a decade in the second tier.

The Villagers wrapped up their campaign with a 2-2 home draw with Ballyclare Comrades before receiving the league trophy amid celebratory scenes at Lakeview Park.

Pablo Andrade opened the scoring after a quarter-of-an-hour with a finish on the rebound before Gary Donnelly levelled for the visitors with a near post chip.

Tiernan Kelly restored Loughgall’s lead on 33 minutes but just as they thought they’d end the season on a winning note Donnelly popped up in stoppage time to earn the Comrades a share of the spoils.

But for Knockbreda it was a drop into the Premier Intermediate League following a 3-2 defeat away to HW Welders.

Ross McCaughan edged ‘Breda in front after five minutes but goals later in the first half from Kyle Owens and Matthew Ferguson handed the home the side the advantage at the break. Igor Rutkowski put ‘Breda back on level terms early in the second half, but Ferguson struck again just before the hour to complete the scoring.

Institute made sure of their finish in the relegation play-off position with a one-goal defeat of Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park courtesy of an early Jamie Dunne goal.

At Milltown an Adam Carroll strike handed Warrenpoint Town victory over Annagh United while Adam Salley bagged four goals as Ards defeated Dundela 4-2 at Wilgar Park.

Meanwhile, at Inver Park, Patrick Downey, Gary Warwick and Darren Stuart all found the net as Newington got the better of Dergview.