Nixon had no plans to resign before chiefs wielded the axe

This season, Ards have struggled for form with just three wins in the league.

Nixon’s last win came on December 29 when the Red & Blues defeated Dungannon Swifts 3-0.

They were knocked out of the Irish Cup by Championship Carrick Rangers in the fifth round.

It’s a far cry from Nixon’s first two seasons. In 2017, he guided Ards to eighth, which was followed by a ninth-place spot the following season.

Nixon even turned down the chance to manage his beloved Glentoran at the end of last year, signing a new deal with Ards.

Before learning of his dismissal, Nixon said: “I’ve no intention of resigning. I’m working every day to improve this club. I’ve worked my socks off under difficult circumstances and I will continue until told otherwise.”

Incredibly, that was not the only controversy of the night.

Institute originally listed Thomas McBride in their team before kick-off, before removing him. They intended to place him on the bench, but he was not listed on the Comet system.

McBride was then brought on in the second half to replace Jamie McIntyre.

The Ards board were not prepared to comment, but Institute are confident they have done nothing wrong, with interim manager Kevin Doherty stating: “We took Tommy off the team and put him on the bench. We told the referee and we informed Ards, so as far as we’re concerned we have done nothing wrong.”

Referee Tony Clarke also informed the media he believed Institute had not broken any rules.

Dean Curry gave Stute the lead in the 32nd minute. With Ards on top, Jake Morrow made it 2-0 from 25 yards on the 75th minute. Then, Ronan Doherty rounded off the scoring with a lovely curling goal in the 87th minute. ARDS: Johnston; Kerr, McNulty (McAleenan, 59 mins), Taylor, McClean (Bennett, 80 mins); E McAllister, Cherry (M Kelly, 77 mins), Tommons, J Kelly, Nelson; McLellan. Subs not used: Mooney, Evans, McCawl, D McAllister.

INSTITUTE: Gallagher; Morrow, McLaughlin, D Curry, Jarvis (McBride, 82 mins); Dunne, Doherty, Wilson (Morrow, 67 mins), McIntyre; Brown (Moorehead, 72 mins), McCready. Subs not used: Kelly, S Curry, Smith.

Referee:

Tony Clarke MARK Patton’s late winner capped an astonishing Dungannon comeback against Warrenpoint Town.

The Swifts found themselves two goals down in the early stages at Stangmore Park last night.

Patton pulled a goal back before the break, but it looked game over when Deane Watters added Warrenpoint’s third soon after the restart.

Yet Dungannon, after wins over Crusaders and Glenavon in the last week, were not about to let this go. An own goal gave them hope before Daniel Hughes levelled it at 3-3.

And Patton snatched the points in the 79th minute.

Dungannon were caught cold