Championship

NO CHANGE AT THE TOP

18 Mar 2023
football
© Luis Moore/HW Welders The Welders celebrate Michael McLellan's winner

There was no change at the top after another busy Saturday in the Lough 41 Championship.

Leaders Loughgall and third placed Annagh United will try again on Tuesday night (kick-off 7:45pm) after their crucial clash fell foul of a waterlogged pitch, and that left the way for Warrenpoint Town – in second – to take advantage.

However, Barry Gray’s side couldn’t make the most of the opportunity following a 3-2 reversal away to Ballyclare Comrades.

Darius Roohi opened the scoring for the home side with just over ten minutes on the clock, but Ryan Swan levelled later in the first half. Callum Ferris restored Ballyclare’s lead early in the second half but, again, ‘Point found an equaliser when Kealan Dillon fired home from 25 yards.

But Ballyclare’s winner came a couple of minutes into stoppage time when Harry Adair sent a left-foot finish in off an upright.

Joshua Stewart hit a hat-trick as Dundela defeated Dergview by the same scoreline at Darragh Park.

The loan signing from Glentoran kicked the scoring off as early as the third minute, with Mikhail Kennedy levelling for Dergview soon after. Stewart struck again not long after the interval and again with a couple of minutes remaining, while Keenan Diver grabbed a stoppage time consolation.

HW Welders boosted their chances of a top six finish thanks to a Michael McLellan finish against Institute at the Brandywell while Ards came from a goal down to beat Knockbreda 4-1 at Clandeboye Park.

Scoreless at the break, Lee McGreevy edged ‘Breda in front but two goals from Adam Salley and further finishes from Salou Jallow and Ethan Taggart saw the home side win through.

Meanwhile, at Ferney Park, Ballinamallard United recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw with Newington.

Darren Stuart and Michael Morgan had handed the Swans a comfortable cushion, but a Patrick Ferry strike in first half stoppage time followed by a Richard Clarke spot-kick early in the second half saw the spoils ultimately shared.