TOP PAIR CAN’T BE SEPARATED

ARDS and Newry City remain joint top of the Championship with identical records after 10 rounds of action with both recording wins over the weekend.

Ards secured an impressive 3-1 victory at home to Ballinamallard United on Saturday evening: Eamon Scannell, Daniel Reynolds (above) and Calvin Mccurry all found the net for the home side while Josh Mcilwaine scored for the Mallards.

Newry had temporarily moved clear at the top with a three-goal win at Annagh United on Saturday night as Northern Ireland Under-21 international John Mcgovern, Daniel Hughes and Jimmy Walker all scored for Darren Mullen’s side.

Remarkably, not only have the teams identical results recorded (seven wins, a draw and two defeats apiece) but they each have identical goal differences – 21 goals scored, nine conceded.

Ballyclare moved into third spot and within three points of the top with a 2-1 win at Dergview – striker Andy Mooney bagged a brace for Paul Harbinson’s side as Benny Igiehon netted a late consolation for the hosts.

Loughgall slipped to fourth after being held to a scoreless draw at home by Queen’s University, who have slipped to the foot of the table despite avoiding defeat on Saturday.

Dundela recorded their first league win of the campaign to leapfrog the Students as they saw off East Belfast rivals H&W Welders 4-0 at Wilgar Park.

Eoin Kane opened the scoring for the Duns as early as the second minute with Guillaume Keke making it 2-0 on 20 minutes. Jay Magee added a third on 69 minutes before Keke doubled this tally to complete the scoring with a quarter-of-anhour remaining.

Elsewhere, Knockbreda picked up an eye-catching victory at the Brandywell over Institute as Lee Mcgreevy (inset) scored twice in a 3-1 win for Colin Mcilwrath’s side. Ross Mccaughan also found the net for the visitors as Brendan

Mclaughlin hit a late consolation for

Stute.